Introduction
Godly decisions are not choices between a lesser of evils, nor between the best of good options.
Trapped between two evils, the Red Sea and the pursuing Egyptian army, the Israelites panicked and preferred to choose the lesser of evils–slavery instead of slaughter. Moses told the people that their salvation and life’s direction was God’s work.
Thesis: A godly decision is waiting to hear from God and then obeying what God said.
The Bible suggests four differences between worldly and godly decisions.
Worldly Despair Gives Up, but Godly Faith Stands Firm
A. Exegesis
- Despair whispers, “Lie down and die; give it all up.”
- Godly faith stands secure in knowing that God is Sovereign and His will will be accomplished.
B. Illustration–Job’s wife gives him worldly advice: “Curse God and die.”
C. Application–2 Chronicles 20:15, 20. Faith is the Victory that overcomes the world.
Worldly Cowardice Retreats, but Godly Faith Does Not Fear
A. Exegesis
- Cowardice says, “Retreat; go back to the world’s way of acting; you cannot be a good Christian; it’s too difficult.”
- God’s command to wait renews our strength for when the time to advance comes.
- When we get ahead of God and try to do something good for God, we rob God of His glory, vv. 17-18.
B. Illustration–We often make haste over the wrong things and drag our feet over the things God commands to make haste about.
C. Application–Wrong haste makes waste, but following God’s directions prospers our investment of time, energy, and finances.
Worldly Presumption Rushes in Expecting a Miracle, but Godly Faith Is Still until God Speaks
A. Exegesis
- Presumption says, “If the sea is before you, march into it and expect a miracle.”
- Godly faith is still and focused to see God accomplish His will.
B. Illustration–Witchcraft, spells and incantations.
C. Application–We will never experience God’s salvation by trying to force God to do something. However, we will experience God’s power and salvation when we watch and pray.
If we keep the posture of an upright person, ready for action, expecting a word from God, patiently awaiting His voice; it will not be long before God will say to you, as distinctly as Moses said it to the people of Israel, “Go forward.”
God delivered the Israelites through the Sea and destroyed her enemies in the Sea.