FIGHT OR FLIGHT
When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, “Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.” But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle.
Exodus 13:17-18 (ESV)
According to Dictionary.com, fight-or-flight is defined as involving or relating to an involuntary response to stress in which the hormone adrenaline is secreted into the blood in readiness for physical action, such as fighting or running away.
To me, it’s the body’s way of survival. It’s a natural response that can surely get out of control when a person has suffered trauma. I know first-hand the effects of trauma, with one symptom being the adrenaline reaction that kept my muscles from relaxing and prepared me to start running. I had to really think to relax my legs and arms. I was always on high alert.
The Israelites must have been in flight mode, wanting to stay far from any conflict after years of struggling just to survive. It might have felt like living in a war-torn country where bombs go off—adrenaline running high, always watching, always expecting harsh treatment. The last sentence in these verses portrays the people as leaving their enslavement equipped for battle. Their defenses were at an all-time high, and even though they were now free, they were in unknown territory.
Look at what God says in this passage, “Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.” He knew the people would be tempted to return to Egypt at the first sign of war. Having just come out of their own struggles, they felt vulnerable and afraid, even longing for the familiarity of their former masters. In their fear, the Lord knew their hearts would tend to turn back to the comfort of their confinement.
God, knowing their past, their tendencies, and their fears, led them toward the Promised Land by way of the scenic route. It was just what they needed after living a life of slavery—the way of His provision, His salvation, His protection and away from the sights and sounds of war.
APPLICATION: Fill in the blanks…Lest I change my mind when I see ___(something you’re fearful of or tempted by)_______ and return to ____(your past stronghold or addiction)_____________. God is leading me by way of ____(His protection and provision)_______.
PRAYER: Lord, help me find comfort in You and not in returning to my old ways. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?