Recovery Insight: Exodus 14:3–8 — The Trap That Frees Us
"Pharaoh will think, ‘The Israelites are wandering around the land in confusion, hemmed in by the desert.’ And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them." — Exodus 14:3–4
1. The Setup Is Not a Mistake
God deliberately leads the Israelites into a trap—boxed in by the desert and the sea. Pharaoh sees confusion. But God sees deliverance.
Recovery Insight: Sometimes sobriety feels like a trap. You’re hemmed in by cravings, shame, and the wreckage of your past. But what looks like confusion is often divine choreography. AA teaches us that surrender isn’t weakness—it’s the setup for freedom. The desert isn’t punishment. It’s preparation.
2. The Pursuit Is Part of the Plan
"I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them." — v.4
God doesn’t just allow the pursuit—He ordains it. Why? To display His power.
Recovery Insight: Addiction doesn’t give up easily. The voice of the Adversary—cunning, baffling, powerful—will pursue you. But AA reminds us: we don’t fight alone. Step 2 is our Exodus moment: “Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.” The pursuit is real. But so is the rescue.
3. The Trap Reveals the Glory
"And I will gain glory through Pharaoh and all his army." — v.4
God uses the enemy’s aggression to reveal His strength.
Recovery Insight: Your lowest point—your rock bottom—is not wasted. It becomes the stage for grace. AA rooms are filled with people whose worst days became their testimony. The trap isn’t the end. It’s the beginning of glory.
4. The Fixer’s Reflection
I’ve felt hemmed in—by audits, by trauma, by the weight of responsibility. But I’ve learned that the desert is where clarity emerges. Like Moses, I’ve stood between Pharaoh and the sea, unsure of what’s next. But I’ve also seen the waters part—through AA meetings, scripture, and the quiet presence of God.
Personal Note: I’ve locked away guns for safety. I’ve rewritten procedures. But the most powerful moments in recovery have come when I stopped trying to escape the trap—and started trusting the plan.
Closing Thought
Exodus 14:3–8 is a recovery blueprint. It reminds us that confusion isn’t failure. Pursuit isn’t defeat. And the trap isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of deliverance.
If you’re feeling boxed in, hemmed in, or hunted—hold fast. The sea will part. The trap will turn. And your story will become a signpost of hope.
About Jason Bresnehan
Jason is the founder of Evahan, a consultancy dedicated to helping individuals and organizations build both financial and legacy wealth. With over 30 years of leadership across sectors and continents, he brings commercial acumen, strategic insight, and lived experience to every engagement. His work spans business transformation, venture management, and M&A, always grounded in a belief that ideas—shared with clarity, balance, and respect—can improve individuals, families, communities, and society.
A strong advocate for freedom, limited government, and enterprise-driven progress, Jason also draws deeply from his personal recovery journey—an experience that reshaped his life and fuels his commitment to growth, contribution, and principled living. Through writing, speaking, and service, he continues to learn, share, and speak with purpose.
I can be engaged (on a remunerated or volunteer basis) to sit on Boards, Committees, Advisory and Reference Group Panels, and to speak to Business, Community, and Youth groups. I’m also open to providing comment to media on topics where I have relevant experience or insight. Please feel free to make contact.