Deliverance

Southside High had a good baseball team. They were one of the top teams in their conference and area. They had great hitting, fielding and pitching. The Stars (Southside's nickname) were playing in the area tournament. In their first two games they fell behind, caught up, took the lead, and in both games with bases loaded, Coach brought in their closer, Mark, whom everyone called Flick. In both games, Flick came in and brought his team from near defeat to the championship game with his flawless pitching.

In the final game, the results were the same. They were up one run in the seventh inning, and the starter loaded the bases once again. However, the Stars had Flick. He came in and closed the door as his team won the area championship. When the coach was interviewed after the game, the reporters asked, "Boy, Coach, three great escapes, huh?" The coach smiled and simply replied, "We did not escape anything. We were delivered by Flick!"

Tough times were upon them. The Israelites knew they had to get out of Egypt or they would die. Moses had the plan, and told 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." He followed the plan day and night. Through the wilderness and across the sea they went. All along the way, Moses stuck to the plan. I'm sure that once they felt safe, some came up to Moses and said, "Wow, what a great escape." Maybe Moses replied, "Escape? You mean our deliverance!"

What's the difference, you might ask? When you escape, YOU do it. But when you are delivered, someone ELSE does it, and you just follow. The Israelites were delivered by God. Moses just followed the plan.

The Stars had Flick, and Moses and the Israelites had God the Deliverer. Who do you have? Are you trying to escape sin and defeat it in your life by yourself? You will need a Deliverer to seal the deal. No matter how good you are or how accomplished your past, you cannot deliver yourself from the clutches of sin. Only a Savior can give true deliverance. Don't do it alone! God does care, and He will come through for you! Give Him a chance.