A Time to Move – Greg Laurie Devotion – February 14, 2026

Biblical Context

The book of Exodus, meaning “going out,” narrates the dramatic liberation of the Israelite people from generations of slavery in Egypt under the leadership of Moses. Traditionally attributed to Moses himself, this pivotal text documents God’s mighty acts of deliverance, the establishment of His covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai, and the initial journey through the wilderness toward the Promised Land. The historical setting of Exodus 14 finds the Israelites in a precarious position. Having just been miraculously released from Egypt after the ten plagues, they are now trapped between the pursuing chariots of Pharaoh’s formidable army and the vast, impassable Red Sea. It is a moment of extreme tension, fear, and seemingly insurmountable odds, perfectly setting the stage for divine intervention and a profound lesson in faith and obedience.

Key Word Study

Let’s examine the word “moving” from Exodus 14:15. In the Hebrew text, the phrase “get moving!” uses the verb נָסַע (nasaʿ), which means “to journey,” “to set out,” “to pull up stakes,” or “to depart.” It implies a decisive action of breaking camp and beginning a journey, often with a specific destination or purpose in mind. It’s not a passive drifting, but an active, intentional movement forward. In this context, God’s command to Moses is not merely to cease crying out, but to initiate a physical, faith-filled movement, leading the people into what seems impossible, yet is God’s appointed path for their deliverance.

The Seasons of Life and Divine Instruction

The wisdom of Ecclesiastes 3 profoundly reminds us that life is comprised of various seasons, each with its own purpose and appropriate response. As the text states: “A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance” (verses 2–4 nlt). These verses encapsulate the diverse experiences of human existence, highlighting the cyclical and purposeful nature of God’s design.

In the dramatic narrative of Exodus 14:15–16, we encounter two more crucial seasons of life: a time to wait and a time to move. The Israelites, fresh out of Egyptian bondage, found themselves in a seemingly impossible predicament – Pharaoh’s army thundering behind them and the immense Red Sea blocking their front. It was a crisis that demanded a response, and Moses, in his humanity, seems to have initially misread the season. He believed it was a time to wait, to continue his fervent cries to the Lord, perhaps expecting a different kind of intervention.

However, God, in His infinite wisdom and direct communication, helped Moses understand that this was precisely the moment for action, not prolonged petition. The Lord’s words to Moses were direct and unequivocal: “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving! Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground’” (Exodus 14:15–16 nlt). This was a clear divine directive, shifting Moses from a posture of passive waiting to one of active obedience.

Discipleship: Discerning When to Wait and When to Move

Knowing when to wait and when to move is undoubtedly one of the key aspects of discipleship. Waiting is an essential spiritual discipline, often involving deep prayer, patient anticipation, and trusting God’s timing. The apostle Paul, a paragon of faith and action, himself wrote, “Never stop praying” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 nlt). This instruction underscores the continuous and foundational role of prayer in a believer’s life, a constant communion with our Heavenly Father.

Yet, there comes a point when persistent prayer about a specific matter transitions into a call for action. There comes a time when we don’t need to pray about something anymore, because God has already given us the instruction, the wisdom, or the conviction to act. It’s at this juncture that we need to act – that is, in the way that God would have us move, aligning our will with His revealed purpose.

Applying the Principle: Practical Steps of Obedience

Let’s consider several practical scenarios where this principle applies to our contemporary lives:

Marriage Challenges and Personal Responsibility

Consider a couple experiencing difficulties in their marriage. The husband, in his earnest desire for resolution, might be praying fervently for his wife to change. While prayer for one’s spouse is commendable and necessary, there might come a season when the prayer itself needs to shift. Maybe God is calling him to change his prayer instead, to say, “Lord, help me to be the godly person you want me to be. Help me to do my part.” This pivot from praying for the other person to change, to praying for oneself to change and act righteously, is a powerful move of obedience. His wife, of course, needs to pray and act in the same spirit of personal responsibility and divine alignment.

Forgiveness: A Command to Act

Perhaps someone has wronged you or offended you deeply. Maybe they’ve wounded you or insulted you, leaving you with hurt and resentment. You understand the biblical imperative to forgive them, and you’ve prayed about it—perhaps for days, weeks, or even years. Now, in this season, it’s time to do it. Forgiveness is not merely an emotion; it is a decisive act of the will. It doesn’t matter whether you’re feeling it at the moment; sometimes, you just have to take the step of obedience. The profound truth is that the emotions most likely will follow when you take that step of obedience. The act often precedes the feeling.

Sharing the Gospel: Beyond Prayer to Proclamation

Another poignant example is praying for the salvation of a dear friend or a beloved family member. You may have poured out your heart to God for them for years and years, faithfully interceding for their spiritual awakening. But the question arises: Have you shared the gospel with them? Have you spoken of the hope that is within you? Maybe it’s not just a time to pray, but a time to speak; maybe it’s their moment to come to Christ, and God intends to use you as His messenger. In such cases, the divine instruction is clear: Keep praying, but do your part. Share the good news with courage and love.

God’s Command to Moses: Stop Crying, Start Moving

In essence, God was saying to Moses, and He often says to us: “Stop crying to me. Stop praying about it. Get moving. The miracle is coming.” This is not to diminish the power or necessity of prayer, but to emphasize that prayer often prepares the way for action. When God has spoken, when the path is clear, when the instruction has been given, our response should be swift and obedient. The miracle of the Red Sea parting was not activated by Moses’ continued tears, but by his obedient act of raising his staff.

When you’re led by the Lord, when you have discerned His will, when He has provided the clear direction, it is then time to make your move. There’s a distinct time to pray, and there’s a distinct time to move, and spiritual maturity involves discerning the difference and responding in faith. What would “making your move” look like in your life right now?