That's what happened to Moses and the Hebrews. God sent great miracles/plagues (depending on whose side you were on) to Egypt and the Hebrews were released from slavery. God was with the Hebrews! But as the Hebrews were marching out out of Egypt boldly, Pharaoh changed his mind and set out with his army to destroy the Hebrews.
The Hebrews were against the sea with fortifications on either side of them and Pharaoh's army coming at them on the fourth side. Surrounded. Then they cried out in fear and terror to Moses, "Why did you bring us here to our death?"
Marching through life with God in boldness to trembling in fear. Because the situation changed. That's me. Maybe that's you.
But God was still with them. He is still with me. He is still with you.
So why would God lead us boldly into trouble? Why did he do that to the Hebrews? The answer is found in Exodus 14:4. God said, "I will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am God."
We often have difficult tasks set before us. We often feel we are marching boldly with God, being led by Him, and then BAM! He sent us straight into the corner. Surrounded. He is not doing it to hurt us. Quite to the contrary. He does it to refine us. And more importantly to make himself known. Just as he did with the Hebrews, refining their faith And with the Egyptians, making himself known.
It's not about us. It's about Him. It's entirely about Him. His glory.
And we have a choice. We can cry out in terror when we feel cornered and surrounded or we can continue in boldness through that difficult situation. Why? Because we know that our God is with us. And He is mighty. He is powerful. He is greater.
We find ourselves in that place now as Christians in the United States. The same place many thousands of Christians have found themselves in time and time again all over the world. Surrounded. Cornered. But we need not fear. Because we have an Almighty God! (Oh. And I'll let you in on a not-so-secret secret: No matter what happens... We win!)
Paul was once asked to give a "word of encouragement" to a gathering of people at a synagogue. What was his word of encouragement? He started with this reminder... "The God of the people of Israel chose our fathers; he made the people prosper during their staying Egypt, and with mighty power he led them out of that country." (Acts 13:17)
Stay bold. Even when surrounded. Not in yourself. In God. He is mighty.
worship Him 24/7...
scott