As we journey through the wilderness of our lives, God will often lead us, just like He did the Israelites, toward our own “Pi-hahiroth” (“the place where the reeds grow”).(1) It lies on the west bank of our Red Sea, between Migdol (the high place) and the sea and is opposite from Baal-zephon (the place where the idols are worshiped). It will appear to those watching that we are confused or disoriented, but take heart – the LORD has led us right to the place He intends – the place He will use to bring glory to Himself through our lives.
He has not led us to Migdol - the high place – the mountaintop. Occasionally He does lead us to enjoy that mountaintop experience where He will recharge our spirits and give us rest as we bask in His glory. But we weren’t created to stay in Migdol, though He knows we can easily be tempted to stay, just like Peter, James and John were at the Mount of Transfiguration. No, His mission for us is in the valley at Pi-hahiroth.
Neither has He led us to Baal-zephon – the shiny place – where the culture around us tells us we need to go. Our culture would tell us that Baal-zephon has all the answers, and we will find all that we desire and all we would ever want within its boundaries. Sadly, when the shine has worn off, it will also take us where we do not want to go at a cost far greater than any of us can ever imagine. Many would attempt to deceive us and tell us that God wants us to enjoy all of the pleasures of Baal-zephon, but they would be wrong. He knows that path will ultimately lead us to destruction.
He has led us to Pi-hahiroth – the place where the reeds grow. The ground is right for just that purpose. The reed is not known for its strength – for it has none - or for its beauty. It is a tall, coarse grass with few distinguishing features. No, in and of itself there is nothing special about the reed. But look what the Master can do with it! He can turn it into a musical instrument, through which He can make beautiful melodies of praise. He can turn it into an arrow, which He can use to defeat His enemy or carry His message to others. Just as the Egyptians used the papyrus reed to make paper, He can turn the reed into a palette on which He can write His story of His glory. He can take that reed together with other reeds and form a weaving frame on which He will weave His beautiful tapestry. Yes, left to its own devices, the reed can do nothing, but in the hands of the Master, the reed becomes an instrument of His glory. And the Master determines when the reed is ready to be used, and just how to use it.
Today, you may find that God has led you to Pi-hahiroth – the place where the reeds grow. As Paul wrote, “God deliberately chose things the world considers … powerless to shame those who are powerful” and “things, counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important, so that no one can ever boast in the presence of God.” He has you just where He wants you, that He might use you as an instrument of His glory – even on this side of the Red Sea. He has planned this so that He will receive great glory and that the world may know that He is the LORD. Trust Him as you camp here, for as long as He intends – until He leads you to the other side.
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(1)Scripture: Exodus 14:1-4 Then the LORD gave these instructions to Moses: "Tell the people to march toward Pi-hahiroth between Migdol and the sea. Camp there along the shore, opposite Baal-zephon. Then Pharaoh will think, 'Those Israelites are confused. They are trapped between the wilderness and the sea!' And once again I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and he will chase after you. I have planned this so I will receive great glory at the expense of Pharaoh and his armies. After this, the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD!" So the Israelites camped there as they were told.
Adapted from The Journey Begins, Ch. 6
Photo by Casey Murphy on Unsplash