Standing at the edge of a seemingly insurmountable challenge can feel overwhelming. Like the Israelites trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea, we often find ourselves asking, What now? In such moments, God’s directive in Exodus 14:15 serves as a beacon of hope and encouragement: Take the first step.
Exodus 14:15 King James Version
15 And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:
Faith Requires Movement
Exodus 14:15 reminds us that faith is not merely an abstract belief; it is active and alive. God’s command to Moses—“Tell the Israelites to move on”—underscores that trusting Him involves action. While prayer is essential, there comes a time when God calls us to step forward, even when the path ahead seems unclear or impossible.
Imagine the Israelites’ fear as they stood before the Red Sea. They had witnessed God’s power through plagues and miracles, yet here they were, facing an obstacle that seemed insurmountable. God didn’t simply remove their fear; He called them to act despite it. Their obedience—taking that first step—set the stage for one of history’s greatest miracles.
This principle echoes throughout Scripture:
- Noah built the ark before he saw rain (Genesis 6:9).
- Abraham left his homeland without knowing where he was going (Hebrews 11:8).
- Peter stepped out of the boat to walk on water toward Jesus (Matthew 14:29).
Each of these acts required bold faith paired with courageous action.
When Fear Paralyzes Us
Fear often whispers lies that keep us stuck: What if I fail? What if I’m not strong enough? What if I’m wrong? The Israelites likely felt these doubts as they faced Pharaoh’s army behind them and an impassable sea ahead. Yet, God’s command to “move on” was an invitation to trust Him—not their circumstances.
Fear is natural, but it doesn’t have to control us. As Joyce Meyer once shared from her own journey, stepping out in faith often feels uncomfortable or even impossible. But every small act of obedience builds spiritual momentum, allowing God to work through our willingness.
Prayer and Action: A Divine Partnership
Exodus 14:15 highlights a crucial balance between prayer and action. Moses had been crying out to God—a necessary act of dependence—but God responded with a call to move forward. This doesn’t diminish prayer’s importance; rather, it shows that prayer should lead us into action.
James 2:17 reinforces this truth: “Faith by itself if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” Faith is not passive; it requires us to trust God enough to take steps forward—even when we don’t see how everything will unfold.
Think of Charles Blondin’s famous tightrope walk across Niagara Falls. The crowd cheered when asked if they believed he could push a wheelbarrow across the rope, but no one volunteered to sit in it. True faith means putting our trust into motion—being willing to “get in the wheelbarrow” and let God guide us.
God’s Love in Action
God’s command to “move on” reflects His love and care for His people. He didn’t leave the Israelites in their fear or confusion; He gave them clear instructions and made a way through the sea. Similarly, Jesus calls us into action through His invitation in John 14:6: “I am the way and the truth and the life.” Just as God provided a path through the Red Sea, Jesus offered us a way forward in life—one marked by grace, redemption, and eternal hope.
Taking Your First Step
What does taking your first step look like today? Perhaps it’s forgiving someone who hurt you, starting a new job or ministry, or simply trusting God with an uncertain future. Like Ana Machado stepping into prison ministry despite her fears, or Noah building an ark long before rainclouds appeared, your obedience can open doors for God’s miraculous work.
Here are practical ways to take your first step:
- Pray for clarity: Ask God for wisdom and courage.
- Start small: Take one manageable step forward.
- Trust God with the outcome: Remember that He walks beside you.
- Celebrate progress: Each step strengthens your faith.
Reflection Questions
- What obstacle feels like your “Red Sea” today?
- How might fear be holding you back from stepping forward?
- Where is God calling you to trust Him more deeply?
A Prayer for Boldness
Lord Almighty, thank You for Your unfailing love and guidance. When fear overwhelms us, remind us of Your power and promises. Help us take bold steps of faith today—trusting that You will make a way where there seems to be none. Strengthen our hearts and lead us forward into Your plans for our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
Read More About This Devotional
Words of Wisdom: Obedience: A Journey of Love, Trust, and Transformation
Quote of the Day: “God is waiting for you”
Closing Thought
Taking the first step may feel daunting, but remember this truth: God never asks us to move forward without walking alongside us. Just as He parted the Red Sea for Israel, He will make a way for you—step by faithful step.
2 Corinthians 10 King James Version
1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
2 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? if any man trust to himself that he is Christ’s, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ’s, even so are we Christ’s.
8 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:
9 That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.
10 For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.
11 Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.
12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.
14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ:
15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,
16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand.
17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.
