When God brought the children of Israel out of Egypt, one of the first miracles He performed was the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22). It was an extraordinary, reality-defying event that not only demonstrated His supreme power but also delivered His people from the grip of Pharaoh’s army. The Israelites walked on dry ground while the waters stood like walls on either side—a moment of awe and terror for them, and utter destruction for the Egyptian army that pursued them. In response, the Israelites celebrated God’s victory with songs of praise, declaring, “The Lord is my strength and my defense; He has become my salvation” (Exodus 15:2).

With hearts full of zeal, the Israelites set out toward the Promised Land, the inheritance God had promised their forefathers. But their journey soon revealed a recurring issue: a lack of faith and trust in God. Despite witnessing His mighty works, the generation that came out of Egypt failed to believe in His ability to lead them into the land He had sworn to give them. Their constant grumbling, disobedience, and fear ultimately resulted in their wandering in the wilderness for forty years. Only Joshua and Caleb, who believed in God’s promises and remained steadfast, were allowed to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 14:30).

Perhaps one of the most striking aspects of this story is the Israelites’ tendency to forget. Time and again, they witnessed God’s miraculous provision—manna from heaven (Exodus 16:4), water from a rock (Exodus 17:6), victory over enemies (Exodus 17:13)—yet, when faced with new challenges, they doubted Him. They repeatedly fell into a cycle of fear, despair, and complaints. And yet, when God delivered them, they praised Him, only to fall back into unbelief when the next trial arose.

This cycle is not unique to the Israelites; it is a reflection of the human condition. How often do we, too, forget what God has done in our lives when faced with new trials? We marvel at His faithfulness in one season, only to doubt Him in the next. But here’s the truth we must cling to: the same God who parted the Red Sea, who provided manna in the wilderness, and who brought Israel to the borders of the Promised Land is the God who walks with us today.

When we face mountains that seem insurmountable or challenges that feel impossible, we must look back and remember. Recall the times God provided for you, carried you through hardship, and answered prayers you thought were impossible. Just as He was faithful then, He will be faithful now. As the psalmist reminds us, “The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made” (Psalm 145:13).

Remember the wilderness in your own life. Perhaps you are in a season of wandering right now, feeling lost or overwhelmed by your circumstances. Take a moment to reflect on how God has sustained you before. “The Lord your God, who goes before you, will Himself fight for you, just as He did for you in Egypt before your eyes” (Deuteronomy 1:30). He has not abandoned you. His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23), and His grace is sufficient for every trial (2 Corinthians 12:9).

As you journey forward, let this story be a reminder of who God is. He is faithful, even when we are faithless (2 Timothy 2:13). He is patient, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love (Exodus 34:6). He is our provider, protector, and deliverer. No challenge is too great, no wilderness too vast, for the God who created the heavens and the earth.

Remember the wilderness, not as a place of defeat, but as a testament to God’s sustaining grace. Let it remind you that His power is made perfect in your weakness. He brought you through before, and He will bring you through again. Keep pressing forward, knowing that the same God who was with you in the past is the one who walks with you into the future.

To Him be the glory, for great things He has done and will continue to do.