Trapped… but Not Defeated

 

Exodus 14:10–18

Key Verse: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” – Exodus 14:14

Have you ever felt like you were trapped with no way out? Maybe it was a financial burden that came out of nowhere, a health crisis with no clear solution, a relationship that unraveled, or a time when false accusations turned trusted friends into skeptics. Life can quickly back us into corners that feel impossible to escape.

That’s exactly where the Israelites found themselves in Exodus 14. After being miraculously delivered from Egypt, they found themselves stuck: the Red Sea in front of them, the desert to the side, and the Egyptian army charging from behind. There was no visible way out. They were, in every human sense, trapped on a dead-end street.

But their story didn’t end there—and neither does ours when we walk by faith.

1. God Uses Tough Times to Grow Us

What’s remarkable is that God led them to this spot. Exodus 14:1–4 makes clear that their path—though it looked like a mistake—was part of God’s plan. Why would God do that? Because He wanted to reveal something deeper: His power, His faithfulness, and His ability to make a way where there was none.

Hard times often feel like punishment. But more often, they’re preparation. God uses difficulty to correct, deepen, and strengthen our faith. Just like plants grow deeper roots when surface water is scarce, our spiritual roots grow deeper when life is hard. Faith isn’t proven in comfort; it’s revealed in crisis.

2. Peace Is a Choice, Not a Feeling

The Israelites responded like many of us would; they panicked. “Why did you bring us here to die?” they cried. (Exodus 14:11). In fear, they lashed out at Moses and doubted God's goodness.

Yet Moses responded not with a strategic plan, but with a profound truth: “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord…” (v.13).

Fear is natural, but faith is intentional. Peace in the midst of pressure doesn’t come from understanding the plan; it comes from knowing the One who holds the plan. When we choose to look at our problems more than we look at God, anxiety grows. But when we fix our eyes on the Lord, peace becomes possible—even in impossible places. 

3. When You Don’t Know What to Do, Do What You Know

God told Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to move forward” (v.15). It may sound strange; move forward where? There was a sea in front of them! But Moses obeyed. He raised his staff, and God did the impossible; He parted the waters.

There will be times when we don’t understand what God is doing. But in those moments, we’re called to keep doing what we know is right. Keep walking in obedience. Keep praying. Keep trusting. And then watch—watch with anticipation to see what God will do.

Conclusion: Trust, Wait, and Watch

In conclusion, we should notice several things about the times when our backs are against the wall.  First, dead ends are God’s opportunity to show His glory. The Israelites learned that day that no situation is beyond the reach of God’s power. What they thought would be their death became their deliverance. What seemed like an ending became the beginning of something unforgettable.

Second, we should remember that tough times do not mean that God is mad at us. There is a harmful notion going around that says that a true and faithful believer never encounters hard times unless they have done something wrong. This is bad and destructive theology. There are scores of references in the Bible that show God's saints going through adversity, not because they are being punished but because they are being used and trained by God. Tough times do not mean that God has turned His back on you.

Third, we need to be reminded that we must choose the attitude that we have for difficult times. We can panic or we can trust.  We can focus on opportunities or liabilities. We can turn away from the Lord or turn toward the Lord. It may not feel like we have the choice of what attitude we will have, but we do.  The negative responses will come naturally.  You will have to make a choice to respond in faithful confidence.

Finally, we are reminded once again that we should never underestimate the power and wisdom of God. No matter how hopeless a situation may seem, we may be on the threshold of one of God's incredible displays of His wisdom and power. We may not see the waters’ part, but we may see lives transformed, circumstances changed, and opportunities provided that would have never happened if we hadn't trusted, waited, and watched what God would do.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may the Lord use these words to help you renew your spirit.

Dr. Dimas Castillo