Parting Our Red-Sea Trials

Parting Our Red-Sea Trials

Could COVID-19 have been our “Red Sea” trial? Did you know that “Fear not–do not be afraid is referred to 107 times in the Old Testament and forty-two in the New? It’s a common condition for many of us, but it seems to be a priority with God. “Do not be terrified. The Lord your God, who goes before you, will fight for you. (2Chronicles 20)

And so… because worry, to me, seems as inherent as breathing, I struggled during this Pandemic. I struggled with my faith and trust, especially since my dearest friend recently had brain surgery for Metastatic Melanoma. My heart twirled in anguish because her husband couldn’t be with her during any of the procedure because of the COVID-19 shutdown. I hurt inside for my friend, who couldn’t feel the touch of her husband’s gentle fingers stroking her sweet face or holding her close to his chest to reassure her.

I called daily to check on her condition and was always greeted with her husband’s soft, tender voice telling me, “She is doing well. I’m fine. Yes, I’m eating In-and-Out burgers every day.” So, here’s the deal. My friend’s husband and my dear friend breathed through God’s promises and never complained. I knelt on my knees in awe of their courage while I felt my distrust and doubt, then shame.

You see, I think I would be screaming to God to part this Red Sea… right now. After I’ve taken a long look at myself, I’ve asked forgiveness for not trusting that all of this is in His hands, and I need to open my Bible and put my trust where it’s supposed to be.

After a month had passed, the amazing gifts coming out of this Red Sea trial had boggled my mind. Relationships strengthened within my friend’s family, and I believe they were improved for my family as well. Her anxiety issues almost ceased because, after all, this was the worst possible thing she ‘never’ expected. She began to say, “Why worry about the small things?” All who know my friend saw the miracle God produced in her outlook on life. Oh, how our Lord devises ways of running difficulties into deliverances and problems into praise.

For myself? Well, I’m looking at many things much differently. I cut my blond hair short and let my natural silver hair emerge. I’m eighty-one years old and I’m right where God wants me to be, so why am I trying so hard to look younger? I haven’t yet quit wearing makeup, because it’s a little scary to me when I look in a mirror! I’m grateful to have spent more time at home because of COVID-19, as meetings and church were canceled. My husband may disagree…LOL. But he seemed to enjoy playing cards or games with me every day. I learned how to use Zoom meetings; I joined a group of ladies during the Pandemic and helped make 2,020 hospital gowns for our local hospital. Service to others reminded me of my blessings.

Yep, I’m all about committing my Red Sea trials and situations to Him, in prayer, and trusting Him and watching Him work wonders. I look back on this difficult season as an occasion that brought out the sufficiency of divine grace, which might enable me to preserve the balance of my soul and glorify God….

Are you going to rebel in front of your Red-Sea fears?

Side Note: My dear friend continued throughout her trial with courage, service to others,         and trusted all to her Lord and Savior and passed peacefully in 2024.