He Drew Me Out of Dangerous Waters

Scripture: Exodus 2:1-11

Introduction

In the book of Exodus, we see the remarkable story of how God orchestrated the deliverance of Moses from death, even when the enemy sought to destroy every Hebrew boy. Pharaoh had decreed that all male Hebrew children be killed (Exodus 1:22). Yet in the midst of this dangerous time, God brought forth a child who would later deliver His people. This sermon will expand on how God, in His sovereignty, draws us out of dangerous waters, both literally and spiritually.

The story of Moses being rescued from the Nile is more than a historical event—it is a divine message of deliverance. Just as Moses was drawn out of the Nile, so too are we drawn out of the dangerous waters of life’s challenges, fears, and trials.

At this time in history, the Israelites were enslaved by the Egyptians. Pharaoh, fearing the growth of the Israelite population, sought to suppress them through harsh labor and, eventually, through the killing of their newborn sons (Exodus 1:9-22). Yet, amidst this danger, a Levite couple gave birth to a son and took extraordinary measures to preserve his life.

The mother of Moses created a small ark, a basket, and placed it in the Nile River, a place filled with danger from both predators and the environment itself. But God had a plan—He used Pharaoh's daughter, a member of the very household that sought to destroy the Hebrews, to deliver Moses (Exodus 2:1-10). This is a powerful illustration of how God can use the most unlikely circumstances and people to fulfill His plans.

Body:

1. God Gives Life and Dreams in Dangerous Times

Moses was born at a time when being a Hebrew male child was dangerous. Yet, God allowed this birth, signaling that He has a purpose even in perilous circumstances. Similarly, God often gives us dreams, visions, and promises during difficult and uncertain times. Just as a seed is planted in the soil, where it must break through the dirt to grow, so too are we given dreams that must break through trials to thrive. Hebrews 11:23 tells us that by faith, Moses’ parents hid him for three months because they saw he was no ordinary child. God’s purposes cannot be thwarted by circumstances or human decrees.

2. The Ark of Safety

Moses’ mother placed him in a basket, which in the Hebrew is called "tevah," the same word used for Noah’s Ark. Both were vessels of salvation during times of judgment and danger. The pitch and asphalt used to coat the ark (Exodus 2:3) represent God’s protection, keeping the dangerous waters from destroying Moses. Just as the ark carried Noah and his family above the floodwaters, so too does God’s protection carry us above the floods of life’s challenges. Isaiah 43:2 reassures us that when we pass through the waters, God is with us, and the rivers will not overflow us. The Greek word "soteria" (σωτηρία) means deliverance or rescue. Just as Moses was delivered from the Nile, we are delivered by God’s mighty hand from sin, trials, and the schemes of the enemy.

3. Divine Connections in Unexpected Places

Pharaoh’s daughter went to bathe in the Nile and found the ark with Moses in it. This act was divinely orchestrated by God. She saw the child and had compassion on him. Sometimes, God sends help from the least expected places, even from those who may not share our faith or beliefs. God can send a "Pharaoh’s daughter" into our lives, someone who has the resources and ability to help us in ways we could never imagine. Proverbs 21:1 says, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.” God can move the hearts of even those in authority to accomplish His purposes.

4. God’s Rescue Convoy

Just as Moses’ sister watched from afar, ready to intervene, so the Holy Spirit watches over us. The Spirit is our comforter, guide, and protector (John 14:26). When the time comes, God sends His convoy for our rescue, sometimes in the form of unexpected people, resources, or circumstances. Think of a lifeguard standing by the ocean. They are watching, waiting, and ready to spring into action the moment someone is in danger. The Holy Spirit is like that lifeguard, ever-present and ready to pull us out of our deep waters.

When Pharaoh’s daughter opened the ark, the baby cried, and this simple act of vulnerability moved her heart with compassion (Exodus 2:6). God often uses our moments of weakness, vulnerability, and need to move the hearts of others on our behalf. The baby’s cry was his first weapon against the powers that sought to destroy him. In 1 Corinthians 1:27-29, Paul explains that God uses the weak things of the world to shame the strong. Moses’ tears were an example of how God can use even the smallest and most vulnerable to accomplish great things. Just as a tiny spark can start a massive fire, so too can a small, genuine cry for help reach the throne of God and move mountains on our behalf.

5. Restoration and Reward

After Pharaoh’s daughter took Moses as her own, Moses’ mother was hired to nurse her own child (Exodus 2:9). What a divine turn of events! Not only did she get to nurture her son, but she was also paid for it. This is a picture of God’s restoration—He can restore what the enemy tries to steal. Joel 2:25 tells us that God will restore the years that the locusts have eaten. No matter what has been taken from us, God is able to bring restoration in unexpected ways. It’s like losing a valuable item, only to have someone return it to you in even better condition than before. God can turn what seems like a loss into a greater blessing.

Conclusion:

Just as Moses was drawn out of the dangerous waters of the Nile, so too are we drawn out of the dangerous waters of life. Whether we face trials, loss, or danger, God is our deliverer. He sends unexpected help, restores what we’ve lost, and uses even our weaknesses to achieve His purposes. Isaiah 43:2 reminds us that when we pass through the waters, God will be with us. Let us take heart, knowing that no danger is too great for the Lord’s deliverance. The name "Moses" means "to draw out" (מֹשֶׁה). God is continually drawing us out, out of sin, out of danger, and into His purposes.

No matter how dangerous the waters around you may seem, God is with you. He will send His convoy of deliverance, and you will marvel at how He draws you out of the deepest, darkest waters into His glorious light (Proverbs 21:1, Joel 2:25). This is the God we serve, a deliverer, a restorer, and a protector. Trust in Him, and He will draw you out of your dangerous waters.