It was messier than I had imagined, when they crossed the Red Sea, at least as depicted by the creators of The Bible miniseries on History Channel. I watched in awe as Moses called out for God’s help, and God miraculously parted the waters that seemed impassable.
Do I trust God to do that for me? To make a way when there is no way? … or do I just sing the words instead of really believing them?
I couldn’t help but hold my breath as they made their way through the Red Sea… even thought I know the ending. Still, to see it alive in front of me was such a powerful visual. I have heard Bible “stories” for as long as I have been alive, but to see such beautiful and powerful imagery breathed new life into the stories for me.
Which Bible “character” would I have been? Would I have been mentioned? Would it have been a good story or a tale of tragedy? Do you ever think about this as you read the stories of so many lives? Which character do you most identify with?
I thought that perhaps I am most like Sarah – We both share the need to take charge and make a plan work … many times without waiting for God’s timing.
Or maybe Noah? As the one who built an ark before a drop of rain, I know he must have felt like an oddball… which I feel so often.
Moses? We definitely both have a “crazy hair” issue… at least the Moses in this TV series.
Then, I found him. I don’t even know his face or name. His name was never mentioned in the credits at the end of the show. I doubt if he thought his part was worthwhile. Maybe only his mama noticed him there in the crowd, and recorded it to play in slow motion so her friends his face on TV.
“Keep going!“, he yelled through the wind and chaos of the crowd. “GO! You’re almost there!“
Just an ordinary man, no one special. The “no-name-keep-going-saying-man-in-the-crowd“. The Bible doesn’t mention him, but in the crowd I can’t help but think he was there.
I saw him.
My heart heard his words.
I identified with him immediately.
So many times, I am just not sure how to get through (around, over, under?) obstacles in my life. Unexpected trials and challenges arise, and I feel like giving up. The “Red Sea” of difficulties that I face just seems like too much, and I want to throw in the towel and quit.
… I want to just turn around and head on back to Egypt in slavery because, well, there’s a sea up ahead. And what in the world am I supposed to do about that?
God only asks me to trust Him, and He will take care of the impassable seas of my life in His time.
Just like the no-name man crossing behind Moses, God asks me to just keep walking. Faithfully. Trusting. Knowing that He is God.
This man wasn’t in the spotlight. He wasn’t called to lead like Moses. I wonder if that bothered him. Truthfully, I have felt discouraged lately about blogging and never really sure where I “fit in”. I have even considered just throwing in the towel. I’m not sure where my “place” is, but it’s obviously not in the big blogging cliques or websites. I won’t be headlining as a keynote speaker at a conference near you.
… and that is okay.
God didn’t ask us all to be leaders or to be in the spotlight. God only wants us to be faithful to Him. Maybe I’m the “no-name-keep-going-saying-woman-in-the-crowd”. To that calling to be an encourager, I will do my best.
Maybe you are going through a difficult time right now. I challenge you to “keep going!” and trust that God sees you. He knows your need and has not forgotten you. Remember His promises and that He is faithful, even when we don’t understand.
… especially when we don’t understand.
Maybe you have been through a difficult time but have passed through it. Could I challenge you to join me on the dry, safe banks and yell to those still in the seas to “keep going!”? If God has delivered you from pain, sin, challenges, and grief… tell someone! Speak up for God! Tell others about how He has delivered you and challenge them to keep going!
Whatever you are facing today, keep going!
…………..
May I pray for you? If you are struggling today, please feel free to leave a comment with a prayer request or email me any time.
What Bible character do you most identify with? I would love to hear them in the comments!
… if you like this post, please consider sharing it with someone else….
Sharing with friends here:
Love this post! And love that you recognized yourself and your strength in that “Keep on going!” shout. Encouragement is rare, and so valuable. Your blog is an encouragement to me, Melanie!
I’m enjoying that TV series, too! And enjoying your blog, as it comes into my inbox regularly.
Have a great day!
Love receiving encouragement. We all need it. And we all can give it, too!
I having been thinking about this very thing this week also. I have been thinking of the contrast of the Lord shutting the lions’ mouth when Daniel was in the lion’s den for his deliverance and yet again His grace in parting(opening) the Red Sea for the children of Israel’s deliverance. He is able to deliver no matter the situation. I have taken great comfort in this this week as we are seeking a new job, house, etc and it has been a struggle, yet I believe God is able. We got news today from an application my husband put in last week and he had an interview with another this week also. Praying God will open doors for us to move, sell our house, and be where He wants us to be. Your post encouraged me more today! Thanks!
What an interesting question. From what I can tell you’ve pegged yourself well – the faithful encourager. I’ve always related to task oriented Martha. A friend of Jesus, trusts and loves him, but often distracted by the hustle and bustle of everyday. Maybe I should study her more closely, since we are kindred spirits.
Thank you for what you have shared here. Whew! I am that person who doesn’t mind doing the things others really don’t like – filing, picking up trash, etc. – things I know I can do right and do well. That is not always good, but it is isn’t always bad either. I will be watching more intently as I read the Bible to see to whom I most relate. This is very interesting. God bless you!
Your post really spoke to me today. I too am that no-name woman. I don’t care to be the main character. I just want to do what God has called me to do. Since I haven’t been blogging for very long I do get discouraged. Am I helping anyone? Does it even matter? When I have those thoughts I feel like God tells me to keep doing what I am doing and He has a plan. So for now, no matter how many people read my blog or respond, I will keep on writing. I have to tell you I do enjoy reading your posts. I feel a connection with you and know that God put you in my life. Thank you!
Hi Melanie. I want to encourage you to keep going in this ministry that you have been given. Why you may ask? Because it made a difference in my life today, and reminded me to keep going, and keep believing even when I feel I can’t or just don’t want to anymore! Last night I was invited over to an girlfriends utterly gorgeous home for dinner and to watch “The Bible ” on the History Channel. It was such a blessing in my life as I was feeling pretty down-in-the-pit this week. She had recently come back to the LORD, and reminded me that tho I have so little of tangible worth in this life, that I was Blessed because I have a saving Faith that has seen me through many difficult times as a single mom and artist!
I am turning age 60 next month (not so excited about this), health and financial issues that seem insurmountable with no place to turn but God! Which is good, and really the only place to turn, except I have felt pretty left behind by HIM lately!! One of my part time jobs was eliminated, desperately need expensive dental work, and on and on the pity party goes! I have with God’s help weathered so many storms but am soooo tired of the battle! But a day of warm California weather work in my little garden, some bible study and Prayer goes a long way! Keep on going sister as you don’t know who you are reaching with your words. God Bless You and your Family!
Dear Marietta…I can so relate to some of what you write and I just want to send ENCOURAGEMENT to you that God hears and sees it all and He never leaves any of us out!!
My husband turns 60 on April 30 and he has shared the same sentiment about that milestone, but I reminded him that 60 years is a WONDERFUL GIFT FROM GOD that many people and even children never see. He and I, however, can “feel your pain” regarding health and financial issues. Last July I resigned from my full-time position to pursue our God given dream through Longings End. We need to tent-make through our freelance business writing/consulting and at the end of the month it is VERY tight! And after a lifetime of loss and pain {before my current husband} and even with our current challenges, I get TIRED too! Just yesterday I was in the debilitating grips of self-pity, but today the sun is shining and the Son always shines and His Word is alive in our hearts and we can find our strength in Him to carry on…Will be praying for you, dear sister.
sheila
Great post!
I’ve been discouraged in the blogging world lately too. This post spoke to me as I just asked the Lord if I should quit. And ding-ding, there you go posting this post, and I know that somehow I am supposed to keep going. I’m just not sure where or how I fit, but I’ll keep trying.
I know you didn’t share to receive encouragement, but your voice is precious. Keep going!
Me too, Jamie. But isn’t God so good to speak to us through another’s heart felt words on the same subject. Looking forward to checking out your blog.
sheila
You definitely hit a chord with a lot of us this week with your post. I just posted the following on my FB status BEFORE I read your post:
“I have had my blog, “Dawn’s Dialogue” since 2007. It wasn’t until 2011 that I really started to write more. However, I still see little activity and am not sure who is reading the blog or if it is even making a difference. Yet, I will keep writing as God leads and trust Him.”
Then to read your post was the extra boost God wanted me to have this evening.
THANK YOU FOR BEING OBEDIENT!!!
Can so relate…and will be checking out your blog today! Be blessed.
Would anybody notice if I quit?!? You have no idea how often I think that. This us a wonderful encouragement to read and remember when there doesn’t seem to be a point to the extra effort. Thanks do much for writing this, Melanie.
Have been feeling the same way!! Our Audience of One would notice! Heading to your blog today…Blessings!
Well said. I’m loving every minute of this series (both yours and The Bible).
Marie
Truthfully, I have felt discouraged lately about blogging and never really sure where I “fit in”. I have even considered just throwing in the towel. I’m not sure where my “place” is…
Melanie — Thank you so much for this post. I was JUST thinking these same thoughts yesterday morning, wondering if my writing at Longings End is a waste of time.
However your words were confirmation to keep on going. And be assured, you def FIT IN right where He would have you. Your words have blessed and encouraged me and from the comments, many others as well. Keep standing strong and God bless you…
sheila
Thank you, I needed that today.
Oh! How your post spoke to my heart today!!! It came in my email box and I wasn’t going to read it right now. I thought, I’ll read it later. I am so glad I clicked it open and read it this morning because it will color my whole day! (and week). Thank you, dear one, for the encouragement today. That’s my gift too. That’s where I would be… standing with you yelling to everyone to keep going… it’s not far… you’re almost there!!! Love, blessings, and Huge HuGGs!
Debi
This was exactly what I needed today. God has given me a journey, yet I don’t know what it is, I pray each morning, Lord please show me my journey, let me know I’m doing the right thing and heading in the right direction.
And there you are. Encouraging me to keep going.
Thank you Lord for Melanie, She is not some “no-name-keep-going-saying-woman-in-the-crowd.”
I have only just now visited your blog…I am so happy to have found you
These thoughts you have shared, well, you spoke directly to me exactly when I needed it.
I feel today like every little thing is such an uphill struggle, how will God ever get me through I’ve screwed it all up so seriously??Like so many others commenting here, I feel the blessing from God speaking through you here.
We all argue with our blogs occasionally. I think it looks like you’re winning
Thank you, and much love to you. I will be keeping you and your ministry in my prayers.
xoxo
I have been recording that show, but haven’t watched it yet. It sounds exciting!
I don’t know what character I would be either, I imagine someone in the background. I’m not sure if I’m selling myself short or accepting my place!
great post!
I often like to say that I’m the quirky side-kick in the grand story of life. What’s funny is while I think it’s good to get away from the Hollywood image of being the center of everything I’ve often felt like God is sort of saddened when I cast myself as the quirky sidekick. Like he’s the only one in the theatre watching my life and he’s cheering me on and all: go get ‘em girl! But maybe, I hope, the story is all about him, and any part… From camera guy to boom operator is worth it!
Melanie, What a wonderfully honest post! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and I really hope you don’t give up on blogging. I read every one of your posts via email and yours is one of the few that I will keep my un-read emails of when I get behind instead of doing a mass dump to get current. I read all of them and they are not going un-noticed! I love that you pointed out the no-name, encouraging stranger! The world needs a LOT more of these people and if you are one of them, great!! Keep up the wonderful work!
Peace,
Becky
Love. This . Post!!!!!
From looking at the other comments and knowing how this has encouraged me, I think you have your blog land niche nailed.
Share from your heart and share what God is doing in your life. Don’t give up and keeping reminding us not to either.
Have a blessed day!
Great encouragement, thank you. You are not a no-name. It’s not about us. Keep writing for him.
Oh, I forgot. Pray for my husband to get a good job. We are not in danger of losing our home, but there is no money for anything. I have enough left for two tanks of gas. Our tax return will get us through next months bills.
Amen and amen again.
Melanie. I too sat fixated on the television crying my eyes out in wonderment of the power of God in Moses life and the slaves. I feel inadequate everyday and wish I had more people read my blog and such and such.. But in the end God knows our hearts. I feel lije quitting often. I love your blog and your words. GOD Bless
Oh friend, so timely. I’ve been walking with my husband through over 3 years of unemployment for the most part. Odd jobs and short-time employment comes, and goes. Three years ago we sold our home, of 16 years, to avoid foreclosure. We have sold two cars just to get cash to pay rent. My car broke down last week, and hubbys is on the brink (both used cars). I feel like I am in the red sea, drowning with the Egyptians, longing to be rescued. I lost it the other day and told me husband that God must not love us. I know that this is a lie. I hate the fact that I feel as if He’s somehow forgotten us. I keep trying to stay positive. But some days I just want to stop.
I loved your post! =)
Sometimes when I get to feeling sad, I think of the Positive in my life.
Thank you for being such a inspiration!
Melanie-
What a wonderful post God laid on your heart to share with us. I would in return like to share something with you. I too have felt discouraged about my blogging/writing ministry lately. Where is it going? Does anyone even read it? I can never be like those bloggers I admire so much…etc. And then one day I found your blog and it set off a spark inside that told me to keep going in my writing ministry. That one day I’ll get there. That one day I’ll be able to have a site that someone admires, just as I do yours. So thank you friend. Thank you.
EXCELLENT post! I related to this line “I thought that perhaps I am most like Sarah – We both share the need to take charge and make a plan work … many times without waiting for God’s timing.” I’ve often moved before God’s timing due to my impatience and take charge attitude. I’m learning to allow Him to lead me; knowing there will be times I’ll have to wait patiently.