Shut In by the Wilderness

[S] Exodus 14:3,11 --
 ³"For Pharaoh will say of the sons of Israel, 'They are wandering aimlessly in the land; the wilderness has shut them in.' 
 ¹¹Then they said to Moses, "Is it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you dealt with us in this way, bringing us out of Egypt?

[O] The wilderness hardened Pharaoh's heart but the people's hearts were hardened also and began to grumble with fear from the wilderness in front of them while chasing Egyptians were coming from behind.  The situation is such that there is no way out for them.  Trapped.  But seriously, does grumbling in such a situation help?  No.  Wishing they were elsewhere does not help either.  However, we so easily get into the mode of thinking we can get ourselves out of it by complaining and grumbling.  When we are up against impossible situations and all of our attention is on the obstacle itself, the fear drives us to blaming rather than seeking God for His salvation.  Pharaoh on the other hand sees this as an opportunity to take advantage of and makes the chase to overtake the Israelites because he thought for sure they are trapped by the wilderness.

[A] It is almost as if God intentionally puts us up against some impossible obstacles to remind us that He is indeed bigger than any "impossible" circumstance we find ourselves in.  That is no matter how discouraging or fearful a situation I find myself up against, I need to put my trust in God who is bigger than any of them and can overcome with mighty powers just like how He led the Israelites through the parting Red Sea on dry ground.

[P] Dear Father, forgive me for restricting Your power with my little brain when Your power is amazingly powerful way beyond what I can grasp.  Whenever I'm against the "impossible" wilderness, may I turn to You and trust You that You can deliver me from such a situation much like what Daniel's three friends said in Daniel 3:18 -- But even if He does not -- I will not fall away from following Your ways and truth.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.