Today’s theme so closely relates to the Israeli people crossing the Red Sea. I encourage you to read the whole story in Exodus 14:15 – 31.

• Write about a time when you took a leap into the unknown…
• The sea that I’d like to cross is…
• If I were to leave solid ground and cross the sea, then…

Write about a time when you took a leap into the unknown. Throughout my life there have been many occasions where I’ve had to rely on faith alone for deliverance. One of the most recent occurrences was joining the teen ministry at my church. Prior to this moment, say a year ago, I would have never predicted I’d be asked to serve in a church ministry, let alone helping shepherd teenagers. In every explanation, this seemed extremely overwhelming. My greatest concern was, “how am I supposed to help lead teenagers when I didn’t have the perfect track record either?” But despite my reservations and fear of failure, I jumped in. I put my trust in God that he was using my experiences to relate to these kids. The other leaders in the ministry are amazing, but they’re also so far from these teens current life situation. My age and messy past are what helps me connect with these future leaders. And so far, it’s awesome.

The sea that I’d like to cross is overcoming the fear of going against the grain. Society has taught me how to act, how to dress, what I should like, etc. But as a disciple of Christ, my life should look 100% different from what society tells me. Society tells me it’s okay to hold grudges, but the bible tells me to forgive “even if that person wrongs you seven times a day.”(Luke 17:4) Society teaches me to be promiscuous, but the bible tells women, “to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly.”( 1 Timothy 2:9) Being different leaves myself open for persecution. But the reward outweighs the sacrifice.

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us,” – Ephesians 5:1 -2

If I were to leave solid ground and cross the sea, then I might not recognize myself when I came out. To defy the odd’s and faithfully follow takes every effort. The Israeli people probably thought Moses was crazy when he told them to follow him through the Red Sea. But his steadfast faith in God not only led them to safety but freed them from Egyptian slavery. They had never know what it looked like to be out of bondage. Can you imagine what your life would look like if you just hit “GO” and ignored that pestering little voice telling your you’ll never make it? Hard to imagine, right? The unknown appears to be a scary place when you only see it through darkness. But when you open your eyes and see the great adventure that lies before you, it shines brighter than the sun.