Normally, we have to encourage others to pray, and not so much to stop praying. However, in Exodus 14:15, God told Moses not to cry to Him, but to “speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward.” They were to go forward, and God also told Moses three times to stretch out his hand over the sea (Exod 14:16, 21, 26). It was not an easy command for Moses to obey because the Egyptian army was pursuing them, and the Red Sea was in front of them.

1. The Command to Moses (Exod 14:15-20)

God’s command to Moses was to stretch out his hand over the Red Sea so as to part the Red Sea. By faith, Moses obeyed God. We must remember that God rules over everything. He is sovereign and almighty. We must learn to obey God by faith. Faith means taking God at His Word, and trusting Him to unfold His will. When we do what God commands, His name will be glorified.

2. The Obedience of Moses (Exod 14:21-25)

Moses obeyed God and stretched out his hand over the Red Sea. As he did so, the “the waters were divided” (Exod 14:21). How did God do it? Exodus 14:21 revealed that God did it “by a strong east wind.” It was a miracle because the wind held up the water and yet the children of God were not affected by the wind. Truly, the Lord took care of all the details. Hebrews 11:29 described them as crossing the Red Sea “by faith.” As for the Egyptians, God said He “will harden the hearts of the Egyptians” (Exod 14:17). The Egyptians saw the miracle of the parting of the Red Sea, but they had no fear of God.

We must remember not only to pray, but also to do. We must not hide behind our prayers. We must be ready to take action and do the work of God.

3. The Deliverance from the Egyptians (Exod 14:26-31)

The Red Sea was the instrument of deliverance for Israel, but the instrument of destruction for the Egyptians. God delivered His children completely. The ground they walked on was dry, and they all reached the other side safely. On the other hand, the Egyptians (Pharaoh and his army) were destroyed/drowned in the Red Sea (Ps 136:15).

God’s Word is the instrument of life to those who believe it. And it is the instrument of condemnation to those who reject it. Is God’s Word an instrument of life to you? God wants us to obey His Word by faith, and to “stretch out our hands” to do His work.