The Elephant

Exodus 14 For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.

They say that to tame an elephant for the circus the trainers would use heavy chains around the elephant's ankle to teach them that it was impossible to wander away. In the beginning the elephant would pull against the chain but eventually he would become convinced that he was bound for life. And at that point the chain could be replaced by a string; a string that could be easily broken if tested. But by this time the elephant no longer attempted to escape. He has accepted his role in the circus.

The children of Israel had been taken away to Egypt as slaves to a mighty people with a massive army. They were worked hard and treated poorly and over time they had accepted their way of life. Even the mighty miracles performed by Moses through the power of Almighty God could not convince them that they were being set free. After they plundered the Egyptians and settled by the sea the Bible says that God hardened Pharaoh's heart once again and he set out to bring the people of Israel back to Egypt as slaves once more.

And that is where we find them here in Exodus 14.

For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.

Success was never an option. Deliverance never entered their minds. They were slaves and in their minds the chains were no longer necessary. Any string would do.

And maybe, but for these next words, they would have turned without a fight and walked back to Egypt. Slaves.

But Moses said to the people, Fear not. Stand firm. And see the salvation of the Lord. He will work you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you.

The Lord said to Moses, Why do you cry to Me? Tell the people to go forward.

In other words, Gather the courage to pull at the chains one more time and realize that you are free. You were only a captive in your mind.

I heard a statistic recently that claims that one in four women are living in some form of abuse or addiction. Chained. Defeated. Success is not an option for them. Deliverance never crosses their minds. Trapped between the sea and a mighty people with a massive army they walk willingly into bondage.

The road to freedom is a long one that begins with a very scary first step. I know. I have been there. I am still there. So let me tell you what I know. You will find firm ground under your feet. He will be there. Every step.

Fear not. Stand firm. Quit crying and move forward. See the salvation of the Lord. He will fight for you.

Exodus 14 The people of Israel walked on dry ground through the sea.

Father You alone can bring us out of bondage. Thank You for giving me someone in my life who finally said, Fear not. Stand firm. Quit crying and move forward. I pray that You will plant this where it needs to be. I love You and I am so grateful for this walk out of darkness and into Your glorious light.