The Red Sea Rules for Handling Difficulty

Rev. Christopher J. RespassRev. Shawn P. EllisRev. Torin Wallace

Rev. Tony Pettis

Rule 7: Envision God’s Presence

Recap

Rule 1: Realize that God means for you to be where you are.

Rule 2: Be more concerned for God’s glory than your relief.

Rule 3: Acknowledge your enemy, but keep your eyes on the Lord.

Recap

Rule 4: Pray!

Rule 5: Stay calm and confident and give God time to work.

Rule 6: When unsure, take the next logical step.

Rule 7: Envision God’s Presence

Then the angel of God who was going before the host of Israel moved and went behind them, and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them, coming between the host of Egypt and the host of Israel. And there was the cloud and the darkness. And it lit up the night without one coming near the other all night.

Exodus 14:19-20

Rule 7: Envision God’s Presence

I. God’s Presence in the Trial

A. God showed up in the midst of the Israelite trial.

B. God is both your: Guide & Guard

He Precedes & Protects

Shepherd & Shield

Rule 7: Envision God’s Presence

Q: How has God been your Shepherd & Shield in the midst of your trial(s)?

Q: Which role do you feel/believe you need for God to fill in your life right now: Shepherd or Shield? Why?

Rule 7: Envision God’s Presence

C. God surrounds and covers his people (Psalm 125:2).

1. God covers the righteous as with a shield (Psalm 5:12)

2. Having a shield is pointless unless you are currently being attacked or anticipate an attack.

--Christians will have Difficulty!!

Rule 7: Envision God’s Presence

3. One author wrote, “The Lord’s presence is never so sweet as in moments of appalling difficulty.”

Q: How his this statement proven true in your life?

Q: Has this statement ever proven false in your life?

Rule 7: Envision God’s Presence

II. How Can God’s Presence be Made Real in Our lives?

A. The Israelites had a theophany/ christophany in the form of a cloud to give visual evidence that God was present with them (Exod. 14:19-20).

B. We Believers must exercise faith and believe that God is actually with us.

Rule 7: Envision God’s Presence

C. So, how can God’s presence become real for you?

1. Set your heart & mind to believe the Scriptures concerning God’s presence.

a) Phil. 4:5-6

b) Isa. 41:10

c) Gen. 28:15

d) Heb. 13:5

Rule 7: Envision God’s Presence

2. Visualize God being in your midst (2 Tim. 4:16-17).

a) praying with an empty chair

b) “see” Jesus sitting at the table

Note: visualizing God’s presence will bring comfort and discourage sinful tendencies.

Rule 7: Envision God’s Presence

3. Access God’s nearness through prayer (Deut. 4:7).

Q: Can you recall a time when you felt God’s nearness through prayer?

4. Reflect the presence of God in your demeanor and behavior.

When you’re somewhere between the Sea and the Sword…..

Envision God’s Presence