C. S. Lewis wrote, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains.” I experienced the latter this weekend.
For three months, I’ve been navigating a personal Red Sea—a ruptured Achilles tendon, three knee-high casts, no weight-bearing, surgery on the opposite knee, physiotherapy, insomnia, and exhaustion. During that time, I faced three book deadlines and a major assignment from Guideposts Books.
Also during this time, I’ve experienced God’s strength and enabling in amazing ways, and I credit Him with the honor and glory He deserves. But as the effects of extended insomnia have multiplied and other circumstances came into play over the recent past, last Friday morning dawned dismal, and desperation set in.
“God, help me,” I cried. “I have no reserve. I’m completely exhausted.” I opened my Bible and read Psalm 77:1-20. The whole passage seemed written with me in mind, but verses 19-20 especially grabbed my attention:
“Your road led through the sea; your pathway through the mighty waters—a pathway no one knew was there! You led your people along that road like a flock of sheep, with Moses and Aaron as their shepherds.”
It felt as though God was lovingly shouting my name to turn my focus from my circumstances back to Him: “Grace! I haven’t plopped you in a dinghy and shoved into waters that will drown you. I’m not pushing you from behind. I’m leading you through the Red Sea, and I know the path. Trust Me.” And as if to erase all doubt, He spoke again on Saturday morning.
A girlfriend dropped in for a quick visit. She smiled and handed me a little book. “I thought you might like this,” she said. The title? The Red Sea Rules: The Same God Who Led You In Will Lead You Out. And guess what Scripture passage the author refers to in the preface? You got it—Psalm 77. 
I have no idea how much time remains in my Red Sea travels. But this I know—God is leading me through on a path He sees, and I can trust Him.
How about you? Perhaps you’ve had a similar Red Sea experience and you’re already on the other side. Or maybe you’re in the middle of it right now. Or maybe you’re standing on the shore, staring at an endless expanse of open water and feeling scared half-silly.
Be encouraged today. God knows the path through the deep waters. The same God who led you in will lead you out. Trust Him.
Hi Grace,
Insomnia can be so debilitating. I have been there, done that. I found that taking a big dose of magnesium before bed really helps.
Hugs,
Wendy
Thanks, Wendy. My sis says the same thing re: magnesium. Our bodies are amazing creations.
Not being able to sleep is so hard. I’ve been struggling with that for the last 3 years and when I do sleep aleep a little my dreams are so vivid. Thank you for the reminder that God continues to lead me through my own Red Sea experience.
Lots of ways to look at this truth:
* HE leads us through. No need to fear when the God of the universe is with us.
* He LEADS us through. Doesn’t push us from behind or leave us to tread water on our own.
* He leads us THROUGH. Not around. We must go through it–that’s where we experience Him deeply.
May God continue to be your peace as you cross your Red Sea.
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