The Red Sea Rules: 10 God-Given Strategies for Difficult Times

by Robert J. Morgan

Just as Moses and the Israelites found themselves caught between "the devil and the deep Red Sea," so are we sometimes overwhelmed by life's problems. But God delivered the Israelites, and He will deliver us too.

The Red Sea Rules reveals, even in the midst of seemingly impossible situations, God's promise to make a way for us. His loving guidance will protect us through danger, illness, marital strife, financial problems--whatever challenges Satan places in our path.

Using the Israelites' story as an example, Robert Morgan offers ten sound strategies for moving from fear to faith. Among them: Realize that God means for you to be where you are. Acknowledge your enemy, but keep your eyes on the Lord. Pray.

Life is hard, especially for Christians. It is certain that we will face difficulties, and that God will allow them, as He allowed the Israelites to become trapped between Pharaoh's rushing armies and the uncrossable Red Sea. But just as certain is the fact that the same God who led us in will lead us out. As The Red Sea Rules makes comfortingly clear, He is in control.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Faith, Christianity, Inspirational, Spirituality

117 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Michelle Griep · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a big non-fiction reader, so why did I pick up this one? Honestly, because a friend gave it to me as a gift. I felt 'obligated' to read it because I knew the next time she saw me she'd want to know how I liked it. I didn't want to lie nor make up an elaborate excuse as to why I didn't read it, so I took the easy way out. I read the thing.

And am I ever glad I did.

This isn't just another follow-these-rules-for-a-stellar-life kind of thing. These are more like Biblical principles you should base your life upon. These will come in handy especially when your life hits a rough patch. It's short. It's direct. It's worth reading.

I've even bought an extra copy to give away to someone else when the time is right. Yep. It's that good.

[Pj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book by my Brother Gary. He was reading this book while he was in the hospital dying of cancer.
I was greatly inspired by this book. I can truly understand what Gary saw in reading the RED SEA RULES.
I have "loaned" this book to many friends,but this book is a keeper for more than one reason.
If you ever thought you were in a unwinning place, this is the book to give you courage.
God will lead you in and God will lead you out.

[Aurimas Gudas · Rating 5 out of 5]

„Nerimas – tai ateizmo forma, nes jis išduoda tikėjimo ir pasitikėjimo Dievu stoką. F. J. Sheen

Aš jums tai kalbėjau, kad manyje turėtumėte ramybę. Pasaulyje jūs turėsite priespaudą, bet būkite drąsūs: Aš nugalėjau pasaulį! Jėzus Kristus

Viešpats nukreipia žmogaus žingsnius ir Jam patinka jo keliai.
Jei jis klumpa – neparkrinta, nes Viešpats laiko jo ranką. Ps 37, 23-24

Jei tik galėtume žvelgti į sunkias krizes kaip į progą pasinaudoti dieviškos malonės aprūpinimu, sugebėtume išsaugoti savo sielų pusiausvyrą ir šlovinti Dievą, net giliausiuose vandenyse. C. H. Mackintosh“

[Crista Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely for Christians who are going through long, difficult situations, like job loss, bankruptcy, death, relationship struggles, getting arrested, serious medical issues, etc. The advice is on-target.

If you're early-on in your trauma, this book is going to seem like a bunch of sappy Christian platitudes. As you continue in the trauma cycle, and you re-read the book, you're going to recognize many things the author discusses, because you have personally experienced and contemplated them. At that point, I want you to know that everything else you read, which you haven't experienced yet, WILL BECOME RELEVANT.

Trauma is not chaotic. The circumstance which caused the trauma might be chaotic, but the trauma process itself has a pattern to it. I think that a large percentage of people, who experience prolonged trauma, think about suicide; or at the very least, wish they were in a coma, because their reality is so painful and relentless. It really helps to know that there is hope, and that life will get better.

[Viann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little 100-page book is one of the most encouraging books when one is struggling in a difficult situation. I've read it three times now and been encouraged each time. I also am reviewing it for a church book club.

[Emma Hinkle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet little book delving into 10 principles that can be gleaned from the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus.

[Shelby Peck · Rating 5 out of 5]

tangible, biblical advice for anyone walking their own Red Sea road (thank you Mrs. Fullerton!)

[Craig Turnbull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Morgan has given us a great little book to put in the hands of the man or woman going through difficulty and trial. In bite-sized format he exegetes Exodus 14 and gives 10 principles for walking through pain all the while holding the hand of a good God.

If you're looking for a book to leave in someone's hand after you've prayed for them, and you don't want that book to be a massive tome on etiology, this is certainly an accessible resource.

[Amanda Millar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming back to write a review because I need to go to bed..

BUT. Wow. My pastor gave this to me last week.. after seemingly seeing the state of my discouragement. The Lord refreshed and realigned my spirit throughout this quick read. While walking through so much uncertainty and battling hurt and pain, I’ve been reminded time and time again of God’s unfailing presentness. Through trials, we acknowledge and are more acutely sensitive to the Lord than arguably at any other point.

“The Lord’s presence is never so sweet as in moments of appalling difficulty.”
“When you find yourself between sword and sea, remember that difficult times can sensitize us to God’s nearness. He’s never so close as when we’re shipwrecked on omnipotence and driven by despair into His chambers where we find Him - “a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).””

He is a God of deliverance and provision. Worthy to be given all the glory and praise. What He is doing now, I may not understand, but I will know after (John 13:7).”

Okay.. stay tuned for a formal reflection.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could have easily read this book in one sitting, however, I have been working my way through a few books, one chapter at a time, during my morning quiet time.

I loved how practical this book was. Morgan shared a little bit of his story and then launched into the things God showed him from the passage of Scripture in Exodus near the Red Sea. The truths he communicates are not complicated, but I think they can (and will) have a profound impact when applied.

I recommend this for anyone who is looking for practical ideas during a difficult time.

[Justin Roland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short book that gives you ten guidelines for seeking God amidst whatever adversity is facing you. I should say that it is more like ten principles to help you get through the storms of life. A proper focus shift on things above.

[Liz Terek · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the Old Testament’s most often told & a beloved Bible story is of the parting of the Red Sea. Upon leaving Egypt, the Israelites found themselves up against the sea with no foreseeable way to cross it. Showing His power & love for His people, God parted the Sea so that they could safely cross.

Robert J. Morgan revisited this story during a flight to New York. Turning to Exodus 14 while pondering a family crisis, he felt the leading of the Holy Spirit to write some notes about the Israelites’ Exodus. As a result, this book was formed.

Compiling 10 long-term rules to follow, Mr. Morgan shows that if the Lord led us into something then He will lead us out again. Each Red Sea Rule can be applied to any situation that one may be in. Written in plain-speak without judgment, his list provides practical, comforting advice.

This is a fresh, new take on the frequently repeated Exodus story. Readers will find Mr. Morgan’s perspective not only enlightening, but also very relevant to today’s world.

‘The Red Sea Rules’ is not a lengthy book, but great books needn’t be lengthy. His writing style is much a like man telling you how he was able to overcome an adversity with the Lord’s help. At no time is he condescending & it was very refreshing to see a chapter regarding messes we got ourselves into. Not often will one find a piece like this that openly admits that we habitually ‘did-this-to-ourselves’. I was grateful to see that.

Because of its uplifting approach & guidance from a personal level, I give it a 5 star rating. I was provided an eBook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book for help through difficult situations. Morgan has gleaned ten principles of living a God honoring life from Exodus 14. Some of them are expected, like pray. Others take work, like stay calm and confident and wait for God to work. Each chapter has questions at the end so this book could be used for personal meditation or a group study.
See my full review at http://bit.ly/1jo41bY.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

[Todd Coburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book. Tiny. Simple. Clear. Concise.

In this tiny book, Morgan presents ten strategies, principles, or "rules" for dealing with tough situations. These "rules" spring from his observation of the Israelite situation as they stood trapped between the power of the Egyptian army and the impassibility of the Red Sea at the start of the exodus from Egypt.

The principles Morgan presents are simple, Biblical, and infused with the truth of the Holy Spirit.

I look forward to trying to follow these better in my own life. I hope you find them useful as well.

[Abby Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in a moment in my life that I was acting as an Israelites did in the dessert. I was feeling without direction and could not help but complaining to anyone who would listen. I read this book with a small group of people that throughout the journey became really good friends all going through very different life stages and situations, but all needing to be reminded that God is with us, leading us, confronting us, and we are still called to worship. I would recommend this book to anyone who feels like they are off track in life, because I am not sure if there is such a thing!

[Candy Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing. Hopeful. Inspiring. Encouraging.

[Patricia Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little gem of a book was a wonderful compliment to the year long study and sermon series on the book of Exodus at my church.

When you are in a difficult place, realize that the Lord either placed you there or allowed you to be there, for reasons perhaps known for now only to Himself. In fact, the author added to the cover of the book: THE SAME GOD WHO LED YOU "IN" WILL LEAD YOU "OUT".

#1 Realize that God means for you to be where you are
#2 Be more concerned for God's glory than for your relief
#3 Acknowledge your enemy, but keep your eyes on the Lord
#4 Pray!
#5 Stay calm and confident, and give God time to work
#6 When unsure, just take the next logical step by faith
#7 Envision God's enveloping presence
#8 Trust God to deliver in His own unique way
#9 View your current crisis as a faith builder for the future
#10 Don't forget to praise Him

I'm sure I will re-read this little book many times during my life when I encounter trials.

[Ryan Spear · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually don’t take to books that appear (at first) to boil down the complex beauty of scripture to “rules” but, as they say, don’t judge a book by its cover (or title). Robert Morgan has carefully exegeted the passages and these “rules” emerge organically from the text. There are a few times when the great arc of God’s redemptive story gets lost in personal application but overall, a thoughtful little book for those seeking clarity on how God’s work with ancient Israel sheds light in God’s work with them.

[Donna Pfeiffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A devotional on the parting of the Red Sea for the Israelites with 10 aids for helping us get thru the obstscles of every day llife. This was an amazing miracle by God for the people He loved. This book has helped me through hard decisions when I was unsure, and has helped me remember that God always has a plan. Remember the faithfulness of His provisions in the past because He is still there with the plan needed for the current trial. The Red Sea puts it all into perspective.

[Kerrie Hatcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little book contains 10 "rules" to help you get through a tough time. The author includes anecdotes, scripture, and wisdom. The rules are built around Moses and the Israelites crossing the Red Sea. The author brings those examples into the modern world with the knowledge that God rescued the Israelites and he can rescue you. This book is very encouraging.

[Isa Gueno · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this for my current circumstances and I was surprised with how simple this book is! It broke down beautifully, biblical ways to give God what you have. I loved the chapter on praise! I’m really encouraged by this book and leaning into my relationship with God as a refuge and deliverer!!!!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful journey this fall and winter w/ the church ladies. Highly recommend! Solid insights for coping with mental, physical, or even workplace trauma (my own Red Sea). I truly enjoyed the real world examples and steps towards both application and reflective faith.

[Baylee Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It’s an easy read, great to take chapter by chapter as a morning devotional to supplement your time in the Word. I was very convicted by a lot of it, and gained some really good perspectives on following Jesus through hard times. 10/10 recommend!! :-)

[Brittany Weathers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a go to book if you’re in any sort of trial or tribulation or even if you’re not. It had a unique way of looking at trials through God’s eyes and would be a book I’d continuously read over and over if I was in the middle of a hard season.

[Jana Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have gone thru this book twice and I am sure I will again in the future. A very good book that I will recommend to any believer going thru transition or facing a struggle.

[Carolyn Litfin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books! When your life it going along well, it's a good book. When life presents struggles, it's pure gold! I've memorized most of the chapter titles, because they each contain enough truth to pop into my mind at key moments and remind me of the overall theme of each chapter. Highly recommend.

[Heidi McGill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply written with excellent examples to speak to any reader. Excellent insight and new ways to see the age-old story of Moses and the Red Sea. Excellent quotes and scripture usage.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short read but full of so much wisdom and encouragement. Highly recommend!!!

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

On my third or fourth reread at this moment.

[Bruce M. Burkett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple, yet so helpful. Definitely worth the read. It was needed in the season of ministry I am in.