GPS-Rio Grande Beach

JUL 13 / Sunday Read Exodus 14:5-31

Overview: There are three stories of miracles where God literally made a way on the beach and saved the people’s lives. God still opens paths when it seems impossible, literally saving our lives.

14 / Mon – Impossible circumstances  |  Read Isaiah 43:15-19

Years ago, a youth group was caught in a forest fire in New Mexico. They found a creek and followed it downstream to the edge of the Rio Grande River. Just as the fire was sweeping down the hillside behind them, they were rescued by the US Coast Guard. It is reminiscent of the Israelites being trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea and how God rescued them. Have you been in such a situation, maybe not physically but spiritually? Perhaps you are facing one now. Take heart…God will make a way for you, too.

15 / Tue – A practical miracle  |  Read 2 Kings 4:1-7

Have you been in a financial situation where you could find no way out? Maybe you are facing something like that right now, so you can relate to this story. A godly man’s widow had no way to support herself and her sons. In fact, she was in danger of losing them because of her dead husband’s debt. In what unusual way did God provide for her and rescue her sons from slavery? Think about how God has made a way for you in the past. Trust Him to do so in the future.

16 / Wed – Unexpected outcomes  |  Read Daniel 3:15-18 and 24-25 / Isaiah 43:2

Sometimes God delivers His people, but other times He allows them to go through horrendous circumstances. You may be familiar with this story in Daniel 3, but reread the men’s declaration in verses 16-18. What is striking to you about their words? How about you? Do you fear that the fires of life will destroy you or the waves of chaos will overwhelm you? God may deliver you, but if He does not, He promises to go through them with you. Your willingness to trust God, even if XYZ happens, demonstrates authentic faith.

17 / Thu – Praying for opportunities  |  Read Nehemiah 1:11 and 2:1-6

Nehemiah, a Jewish exile, was devastated when reports came to Persia about the condition of his people in Judah. It drove him to his knees. (Read his prayer in 1:4-11). It seemed God was calling him to go back. But how could he? He was cupbearer to the Persian king, and it seemed impossible. Yet God opened the way. Have you felt that God might be calling you to do something specific, but you see no way forward? What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through this story?

18 / Fri – Unlikely branch on the family tree  |  Read Joshua 2:1-15, 6:22-25 / Matthew 1:5-6

Rahab lived in a heathen city and was not a respectable woman. Did she ever feel trapped? Her kindness to the spies opened a way to escape, and she took it. Whatever she saw as she lived with the people of Israel during the rest of her life caused her to believe in Jehovah. Despite her tarnished reputation, the Lord saw her heart and planted her in Jesus’ family tree. Do you think your past failures prevent you from being fully loved by God and useful in His service? They do not.

19 / Sat – God always makes a way  |  Read Isaiah 43:16-21 / Isaiah 25:9

The Bible’s overarching meta-story reveals the glorious truth that there is a way out of the sin that separates us from Him. But that is not all. The Bible also tells smaller stories of how God provided a way out amid deadly circumstances, debilitating health problems, financial impossibilities, broken relationships, and God will make a way for you, too. What are you facing today? What are your impossible situations or your unmet needs? Will you give them to the Lord right now? Repent as needed. Ask for His help. Listen carefully and then obey His directions.