First Baptist Church of New Holland PA

EXODUS 14 – FROM TRAUMA TO TRIUMPH

AM 8/28/22

“Trauma is a person’s emotional response to a distressing experience. Few people can go through life without encountering some kind of trauma. Unlike ordinary hardships, traumatic events tend to be sudden and unpredictable, involve a serious threat to life—like bodily injury or death—and feel beyond a person’s control. Most important, events are traumatic to the degree that they undermine a person's sense of safety in the world and create a sense that catastrophe could strike at any time. Parental loss in childhood, auto accidents, physical violence, sexual assault, military combat experiences, the unexpected loss of a loved one are commonly traumatic events.” Trauma | Psychology Today

We will all face trauma during our lifetimes. We as individuals and as a church have all lost loved ones.

On a national level I think of the Covid Pandemic, 9-11 and various hurricanes and other natural disasters. Also, shootings, riots, and scandals have left many paralyzed.

Besides trauma, there is also worry and fear to deal with. It is all too easy to succumb to these.

We will not avoid trauma or things that could make us worry, fret and fear. But we can be prepared for them.

The Israelites leaving Egypt faced a trauma that God turned to triumph. Let’s learn from their experience in Exodus 14.

BE ASSURED OF GOD’S PATH – They were facing trauma because they were in the will of God, taking the path of obedience. To be in the will of God, you must be saved! 1 Timothy 2:3-6, Ephesians 2:8-9

To be in the will of God you must follow His leading.  John14:21-24 – The safest place to be is in the center of God’s will.

BE ASSURED OF GOD’S PURPOSE – Exodus 14:4, 17-18 – God’s purpose for the believer is for us to bring glory to Him, by glorifying his Son. 2 Thess. 1:3-6, 11-12

BE ASSURED OF GOD’S PLAN – Exodus 14:1-9

Romans 12:3, - God’s will is “good, acceptable, perfect”.

Esther 1:13-14

BE ASSURED OF GOD’S PRESENCE – Exodus 14:10-16 – Hebrews 13:5-6 – Footprints

BE ASSURED OF GOD’S PROTECTION – Exodus 14:19-20 – The “Angel of the Lord” – probably Lord Jesus

False accusation never went anywhere against me. Even if I lose my life, God has protected me from the punishment of Hell.

BE ASSURED OF GOD’S POWER – Exodus 14:21-31

Ephesians 1:19-23