Focusing on Jesus Leads to Rest

The Israelites felt trapped.

Under Moses' leadership, they set up camp at Pi-Hahiroth, a location they had previously visited during their journey. So, instead of progressing, Moses led them back to a place they had already been.

In the background, God was working on a plan to influence Pharaoh’s perspective, prompting him to reconsider his decision to allow the Israelites to leave. When Pharaoh learned that the Israelites had turned back, it appeared they might be confused and uncertain on their journey, so he pursued them with his army, intending to force them to return to Egypt.

At Pi-Hahiroth, when the Israelites looked up, they saw Pharaoh and his army approaching in one direction, and in the other, they saw the Red Sea. This terrified them, and they cried out to God in despair.

The Israelites were on a faith journey, that required them to keep their eyes on Jesus.

Note: Following God on an unknown journey can be incredibly challenging. It often demands a deep sense of surrender, especially when we find ourselves in confusing or disorienting situations. It’s normal to feel that what God has promised can seem really different from what’s happening in our lives.

**Pause + Be Still Moment**

The Israelites were following God through the wilderness. This journey required a specific amount of faith and spiritual insight unlike any they had encountered before. They were walking away from a place of bondage on a path to freedom.

There will be times when we are called to take a new path. These journeys often invoke a crisis of faith. We tend to struggle with what we physically see when it does not match what God is saying to us concerning our path.

The Israelites had to trust God's presence during their journey. They needed more faith in God's guidance than fear of what they were physically seeing. It was truly a journey that required them to trust God more than their understanding.

Our ability to focus on Jesus on our journey will directly impact our ability to rest.

**Let's Pray**

Dear God,

Sometimes, even on a faith journey, fear somehow creeps in and distracts us from Your guidance. In these moments, Father, help us to learn practices that bring our focus back to You and what You've spoken. Teach us stillness and how to hear Your voice above the noise. We know that the journey ahead of us requires a fight. We also understand that the fight is fixed, and we win. No matter what we see, could you help us continue to believe? Teach us to breathe in Your goodness and release fear so we may run this race You've called us to complete. Give us spiritual insight to see.

In Christ's Name Amen

**Journaling Moment**

What doesn't make sense concerning the directions you are following currently in your life? What would have to be released for you to trust God and not your understanding (Proverbs 3: 5-6)?