“Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm, and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.’”
— Exodus 14:13-14, NIV
On the brink of danger
Moses had led the Israelites to the edge of the Red Sea. There was no turning back.
Pharaoh and his army were hot on their trail. If they caught up to them, it would mean death or a return to slavery for the nation of Israel. But God had a plan.
“Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea,” God commanded Moses. Suddenly, the waters of the Red Sea ripped open, and the people were able to walk across on dry ground. When Pharaoh’s army tried to advance after them, they were drowned in the crashing waves of the sea.
Poverty and the global water crisis: No way out?
People living in developing countries can often feel like the children of Israel trapped between the Red Sea and the Egyptian army — only they are trapped between their need for water and their debilitating poverty.
Mothers have to choose between watching their children suffer from parched throats or giving them water they know will make them sick.
Many families and communities don’t have the money or resources to drill their own wells. Filtration systems are expensive and not easy to come by.
Dirty water leads to illnesses such as diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, and typhoid— not to mention skin diseases like scabies. And when impoverished people inevitably become sick with these diseases, they cannot afford the medical care they desperately need.
But poverty and the lack of clean water affect more than just health. Without clean water, children have to spend their days traveling miles to collect water from distant rivers and ponds, and they aren’t able to attend school. Without an education, there is no hope of securing a job and ending the cycle of poverty.
Much like Pharaoh’s army chasing down the Israelites, death haunts families living in poverty. And, sometimes, it looks as if there is no escape. But God always makes a way when there seems to be nowhere to turn. And today, He wants to provide that way through you!
Your turn to take up the staff
Like He called Moses, God is calling us to action. He told the children of Israel that they need only be still, and He would provide for them. But he called Moses into action to lead the way for his people’s escape from Pharaoh’s clutches.
And Moses was obedient.
Perhaps He is calling you to take action today and lead the way in helping those in need.
God cares enough about His people that He wants to keep them out of danger. He’s always on a rescue mission. The question is, will you join Him?
For $15, you can provide clean water for one person for an entire year. Help rescue someone today by giving clean water.