Never to Be Seen Again

by Kelly Wilson Mize

The triumphant music builds as a beautiful, wind-blown heroine confidently emerges from the shadows. Her gratified expression, bouncy hair, and bold steps (in slow motion), are evidence that she is finally free from what once sought to destroy her. The heart-wrenching nightmare is over; a glorious new day has begun…

Don’t you love a movie with a happy ending? It inspires us–making us believe, if only for a moment, that it is truly possible to arrive at a place where bad things can no longer touch us.

In Exodus, the Israelites had a moment of triumph far beyond any movie scene could depict.

After Pharaoh had finally freed the Israelites from centuries of slavery in Egypt (plot twist!), he changed his mind. God’s people were suddenly being pursued by more than 600 chariots! Things were looking pretty hopeless, and the people were incredibly discouraged. They cried out to Moses in desperation, concluding that even slavery had been better than the dire situation they found themselves in. But astonishingly, Moses responded with a welcome message from the Lord:

… Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. Exodus 14:13 NLT

The news was better than the Israelites could have ever imagined. The outlook quickly improved as God Himself provided a miraculous escape.  God parted the Red Sea, and the people were allowed to walk through on dry land while their Egyptian captors were crushed beneath the waves when they tried to follow.  The enemy was defeated. Those particular enemies of Israel, God promised, would never be seen again.

Thankfully, most of us will never be chased by a multitude of chariots (whew!), but there are definitely things in our lives that we would love to escape. 

Are you facing something that seems impossible? Something you’d like to be immediately delivered from? Maybe it’s a dreaded college class, the cruelty of a friend or family member, a job that induces anxiety, a dangerous addiction, or a devastating diagnosis. Most of us have something about which we want to cry out, “Please God, just make it go away.”?

God may not choose to take ‘it’ away like He did for the Israelites, but He is the only one who has the power to change a hopeless situation. Or sometimes even more miraculously, to change our perception of the things that torment us.

The point at which the Egyptians were drowned in the Red Sea would have made a great final scene for the Israelites. But their adventure was far from over. The Bible details further obstacles that would steal joy, crush hope, and cause the Israelites to doubt their faith at every turn. Even though there would ultimately be victory for their ancestors upon entering the Promised Land, the journey would not be free of struggle. 

Such is life. There will be moments and seasons of conquest, but in this world, we know trouble is inevitable. But like the Israelites, if we stand firm in God’s presence, we are protected. In a crazy, loud, chaotic world–we need only be still enough to hear His voice.

The ultimate victory scene is coming. Can you picture it? With the glorious soundtrack of collective worship accompanying her–the main character confidently strides through the radiance of heaven, smiling and free. Her face is lifted upward adoringly toward the One who has allowed her to overcome. She is amazed at what she has been brought through, and so grateful to her omnipotent Rescuer for the peace she now exudes. She knows that the struggle is now finally, truly behind her–never to be seen again. 

I don’t know about you, but I look forward to that happy ending with great hope and expectation. Because, the main character? Watch closely. She looks a whole lot like you and me. 

This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

About the author: Kelly Wilson Mize is a wife, mother of two young adults, and former educator with a master’s degree in education. In 20 years as a published author, she has composed numerous articles, interviews, curriculum projects, and devotions, and has contributed to eight traditionally published books. Credits include Lifeway, Bethany House, Guideposts, (in)courage, and others. Kelly’s first full-length publication, a picture book for all ages called The Beautiful Story Within Me is available now wherever books are sold!

Join the conversation: What do you think the ultimate victory will look like for you at the end? What will finally be conquered for good?

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