Have you ever found yourself “caught between the devil and the deep blue sea?”

This phrase is a well known idiom which means that you have to choose between two difficult situations.

You cannot run or hide from both choices so what will you do?

What would influence the decision that you make in such circumstances?

How will you choose?

Let us look at an example of a group of people who were faced with this difficult choice.

Soon after Pharaoh released the children of Israel from slavery in Egypt, they found themselves literally caught between the devil and the deep blue sea.

The Israelites had to make a choice between staying on dry land and be slaughtered by Pharaoh’s army or run into the red sea and drown.

How did the people react to this dilemma?

Then they said to Moses, “Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt?” (Exodus 14:11)

The people were ignorant of the fact that God planned this situation.

The Lord deliberately told Moses to camp by the Red Sea so that they would have no where to escape when Pharaoh pursued and overtook them at the Red Sea.

God wanted to prove to Pharaoh that He was the Lord God above all things.

The Lord also wanted to test the children of Israel of their faithfulness.

There will be times in your life when you will be caught between the devil and the deep blue sea.

In such circumstances, the Lord does not want you to react as the children of Israel did.

He wants you follow the example of Moses and prophecy deliverance over your life.

And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”” (Exodus 14:13-14)

In spite of the Israelites ungrateful attitude, the Lord fought their battle and they were delivered. You can read the entire story in Exodus 14.

Strategies to receive your deliverance

1. Do not Fear! “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
2. Remain calm! “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13).
3. Trust in the God of your salvation. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3: 5-6)
4. The Lord will fight your battle. “You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.” ” (2 Chronicles 20:17)
5. Prophecy your deliverance because the problems that you face today you will see them no more. “For I will surely deliver you, and you shall not fall by the sword; but your life shall be as a prize to you, because you have put your trust in Me,” says the Lord.’ ” (Jeremiah 39:18)

I pray that if you ever find yourself caught between “the devil and the deep blue sea” you will stand firm on the foundation of a mighty God who is able to save and deliver you from all adversaries.