Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night, the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. Exodus 14:21-22

The story of the parting of the Red Sea is one of the most astounding miracles recorded in the Bible. The sheer scope and magnitude of the event are utterly unimaginable. For that reason, skepticism regarding the story’s veracity runs high—but why? By definition, a miracle is an act of God that appears to be contrary to the laws of nature. All miracles are impossible, and that’s exactly why they’re called miracles.

The Scriptures record three other times when God parted waters so that people could cross to the other side—Joshua 3 and twice in II Kings 2. God knows that such miracles operate outside man’s observation of the laws of nature—that’s the very reason He chooses to perform them.

During their exodus from bondage in slavery, God confronts the Israelites with this question again and again, “Do you trust me?” Whether it was the plagues that brought them freedom from Egypt or the parting of the Red Sea and the drowning of Pharaoh’s army, God continually demonstrated His miraculous faithfulness to the Israelites—and they continually demonstrated their lack of trust.

We would enjoy throwing stones at those fickle Israelites, but we’re just as guilty. How often do we find ourselves second-guessing God and questioning His presence, power, and purpose in the midst of a crisis? Is He out there? Does He hear us? Is He able? Does He even care? Would we be better off without Him?

Trust is defined as confident reliance. For a trust-based relationship to be successful, the trust level must be full. Any leak in trust actually undermines confidence, causes hesitation, and all but guarantees failure.

Distrust is the common denominator in most self-fulfilling prophecies. The belief that something or somebody will fail creates conditions in which failure becomes inevitable. I knew I couldn’t do it. I knew it wouldn’t work. I knew it couldn’t be done. Distrust causes hesitation, and hesitation causes the key moment to pass. Hence the saying, “He who hesitates is lost.”
Confessions of a True Believer

I consider myself to be a true believer. I have full trust in God’s omnipotent sovereignty and divine will. I believe He can do anything, that there are no limits on His power and no boundaries on His kingdom.

But, like a lot of true believers, I struggle with trusting myself. How can I know for certain what God’s will is – and what He wants me to do? How can I trust myself when human pride, selfish ambition, and fear sometimes cloud my vision and obscure His will? And what about my lack of ability and limited resources? I trust God completely, but like many true believers, I’m just not sure I can trust myself.

I know, without a doubt, God can do it—but does He want me to do it? Does He want me to step out in faith before the outcome is known? Does He want me to take the risk even before the resources are available?

Such struggles put us in good company. Gideon struggled too. You can read the story about how he used a fleece to clarify God’s will and overcome fear and distrust in himself. See Judges 6.

But friends, even if we struggle with trusting ourselves, the question still remains, “Do we trust God?” If we are true believers, then we must accept that He can even overcome the distrust we have in ourselves.

Consider these two Scriptures:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2

According to these Scriptures, a believer with a fully submitted heart and renewed mind can make determinations about God’s will and move forward with both humility and boldness. Why? Because God can be trusted with results and outcomes. He is the one who transforms and renews our mind. He is the one who makes our path straight. He does these miraculous things – and He is able to do exceedingly and abundantly beyond anything we can ask or even imagine. Do you believe it? Do you trust Him? Are you willing to submit your ways fully to Him? Are you willing to offer yourself as a living sacrifice so that He can transform your mind and renew your thinking?

If so, then trust Him with the outcome. He can and will make your path straight – and even the Red Sea won’t be able to stand in your way. Believe it.

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21