Hemmed In
"Pray that God will make a way."
Colossians 4:3 (CEV)
John Piper once wrote in A Godward Life, “Books don't change people; paragraphs do. Sometimes even sentences.”
With all due respect to Dr.Piper, sometimes books do change lives. Or perhaps it’s more appropriate to say that God sometimes uses books to change lives. Either way, God has used Robert J. Morgan’s The Red Sea Rules to help me navigate difficult situations over the last twenty-five years. This little book can easily be read in about two hours, but it is packed with godly wisdom. Using Exodus 14-15 as his text, Morgan outlines ten “rules” or principles that he gleaned as “ten ways of handling dilemmas and discouragements- a divine protocol for handling life …and a powerful and effective strategy for coping with the messes and stresses of life.”
My husband Bruce initially purchased The Red Sea Rules because it contained an anonymous and untitled poem he liked. I was curious because he’s a strength and conditioning football coach who usually isn’t interested in poetry!
One night I picked up Morgan’s little book and began reading. When I finished it two hours later, I had found a new friend. Over the next few weeks, I repeatedly worked my way through the little book and the Exodus 13-15 text.
Recounting Israel’s miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, Morgan discovered ten God-given strategies for difficult times. Each strategy is called a "rule,” and each one progressively builds on the rules which precede it. Behind each Red Sea Rule is an unshakeable faith in God’s sovereignty, omniscience, goodness, faithfulness, and love.
Morgan’s rules are below in italics. Through the years I’ve adapted some of the rules as I’ve taught them. My adaptations are in bold and parentheses.
Red Sea Rule #1 - Realize that God means for you to be where you are.
(God knows where I am)Red Sea Rule #2 - Be more concerned for God's glory than for your relief.
Red Sea Rule #3 - Acknowledge your enemy, but keep your eyes on the Lord. (Eyes up!)
Red Sea Rule #4 - Pray!
Red Sea Rule #5 - Stay calm and confident and give God time to work.
Red Sea Rule #6 - When unsure, just take the next logical step by faith.
(RSR5&6 combined: Discipline your emotions and do your next thing)Red Sea Rule #7 - Envision God's enveloping presence.
(God is with us)Red Sea Rule #8 - Trust God to deliver in His own unique way.
(Don’t box God in!)Red Sea Rule #9 - View your current crisis as a faith builder for the future. (Memorial stones)
Red Sea Rule #10- Don't forget to praise Him! (Deliverance demands praise!)
I’ve taught The RSR material as a ten-week Bible study, but I’ve also used it for women’s retreats. It is my most requested retreat topic. The material is easily tailored for two to ten teaching sessions depending on the host’s need, yet practical enough to be useful.
Last weekend I was privileged to lead a RSR women’s retreat at the The Lodge Lake Guntersville State Park. We had beautiful weather, glorious sunsets, mountains and lakes, and sweet fellowship as we studied God’s Word together.
Whenever I face a tough situation, I always return to RSR #1: "God knows where I am and he means for me to be here." The Israelites didn't get lost in the desert wilderness. God told Moses, "Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp by the sea." (Ex 14:1) They were exactly where God led them. That "where" was hemmed in on all sides by the mountains, desert, and sea while being chased from behind by the powerful Egyptian army. Morgan writes again, "The Red Sea may roll before us; the desert may entrap us; the enemy may press on our heels. The past may seem implausible and the future impossible, but God works in ways we cannot see. He will always make a way for His tired, but trusting children, even if He must split the sea to do it."
The Apostle Paul certainly understood about being hemmed in. Paul wasn't self-quarantined but confined to a Roman prison when he wrote today's verse. Paul's words echo Morgan's reminding us that God can make a way because he IS the way. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
Whatever suffering, stress, or mess you may be facing today, God knows where you are.
“Pray that he will make a way.” Colossians 4:3 (CEV)