Apples of Gold

Back in the good old days, before streaming technology appeared, missing the next episode of your favorite show was a bit more traumatic. Schedules were worked around the new Disney Movie or Charlie Brown special because if you missed it, you missed it! 

One of the tricks producers used to keep their audience in tow was ending an episode right before the most climactic moment, flashing“To Be Continued…” on the screen. The disappointment was real, as was the speculation. Anticipation and curiosity lured viewers to “Tune in next time” in order to see who shot Jr, or how the Duke brothers would get out of yet another sticky situation-(IYKYK).

Standing on the brink of 2026 I find myself thinking about some of the scenarios 2025 has produced. There were completely unexpected twists and turns, surprises and moments of breath-taking drama. 

“To Be Continued” seems to be the theme this season in my life. Detours, dead-ends and brick walls dot the paths I have been attempting to navigate. It is easy to find myself overwhelmed as I scan the unusually large portion of unresolved sagas. 

The waiting room is often a place of mystery and intrigue. Attempting to unwaveringly trust God when you find yourself staring into a dead end can be a herculean task. During times like this my first thought is often, “God, where did I miss you?” 

The reality is that God often leads his children directly into apparent predicaments. The Children of Israel found themselves in just such a place:

Then the LORD gave these instructions to Moses. Order the Israelites to turn back and camp by Pi-hahiroth between Migdol and the sea. Camp there along the shore, across from Baalzephon. Then Pharaoh will think, “The Israelites are confused. They’re trapped in the wilderness!” And once again I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will chase after you. I have planned this in order to display my glory through Pharaoh and his whole army. After this the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD!” So the Israelites camped there as they were told. Exodus 14:1-4

Clearly, God led the Israelites here. He even told them the plan and his reasoning. The confusion was designed for Pharaoh but the Israelites found themselves smack dab in the middle of it. Confusion often leads to panic and this was no exception. 

As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the LORD, and they said to Moses, Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? Didn’t we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said Leave us alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness! Exodus 14:10-12

That went south quickly! The Israelites were ready to exchange the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire for the shackles of slavery, all because they were facing an apparent dead-end. In their panic, they forgot that this was actually the plan.

When our attempts to carefully follow the leading of the Lord bring us to a dead-end all too often we embrace confusion and panic as well. We question everything. The voice we so confidently embraced has momentarily gone silent and our assurance dissipated along with it. 

Before you send away for a hearing aid, or get ready to abandon ship, it would serve you well to remember who your champion is and how he works. Without the captivity there is no rescue. 

But Moses told the people,”Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm. Exodus 14: 13-14

Stay calm? The entire Egyptian army is headed our way and we can’t swim!

Israel appeared to be completely vulnerable and helpless but in reality this was a form of holy camouflage. The enemy was being lured in while a 

divine rescue mission unfolded before their very eyes. 

Then the angel of God, who had been leading the people of Israel, moved to the rear of the camp. The pillar of cloud also moved from the front and stood behind them. Exodus 14:19

Then Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the LORD opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind. The wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into dry land. So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side! Exodus 14:21-22

God turned the very obstacle that was blocking their path into the mode of their deliverance. The Egyptians met their demise as the waters rushed in, wiping out the entire army. 

“To Be Continued” is reserved for the most interesting and complex storylines. The wait to experience the resolve may seem tedious, but when the plot resumes it is worth the wait. 

If God has you entering 2026 with “To Be Continued” as your theme, you can rest assured that he has something powerful in store for you. Hold steady. Trust the One who led you to this place.

When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the LORD had unleashed against the Egyptians, they were filled with awe before him They put their faith in the LORD and in his servant Moses. Exodus:14:31