13 Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Ex 14:13-14) NIV
How often do I want to take matters into my own hands and think, “I have to do something!”. There is a giant situation staring me in the face. It really scares me, and I am way out of my comfort zone. It can’t possibly be from God (I think to myself). He would never put me in this place! But I know he did. There is no way out and I must walk through this. Lord, I’m afraid! He says, “I know, child; trust me!”
When faced with this scenario, my initial response might be “flight” or “fight”. It is not usually “stand firm”. The longer I walk with him, though, I am slowly but surely learning to trust God and trust his goodness. Experiencing his protection and provision in the past is fresh in my memory. I tend to analyze the many outcomes that could happen when all along God’s plan for me might be to see him perform a miracle. Any response other than to stand firm would cause me to miss it. I try to be more aware of the Holy Spirit’s direction.
“But it is a spirit in man,
And the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding. (Job 32:9) NASB
The Israelites saw the glory of God and the lengths he would go to save his people. Those walls of water were really high as they passed through them. The ground was dry so the wagons and livestock passed through without hindrance. Both the angel of God who was traveling with them and the pillar of cloud moved from leading them to protecting them from the rear. They had light; their enemies were in the dark. They were unscathed; the enemies wheels came off their wagons and there was nothing but confusion.
Sometimes the battle is not ours to fight. We do what God tells us to do and then watch him do what only he can do. This battle was intended to show God’s glory and power. Their part was to stand firm.
31 And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant. (Ex. 14:31) NIV
When the sun rose the next day, it would be a new way of life for the Israelites. They had been used to slavery and abuse. Learning to be free would be difficult. It would take trusting God!
Lord, this is one of my favorite stories. I don’t think I will ever tire of reading it. You are Lord of all creation and it obeys your commands. Moving an ocean is nothing for you. Placing your people safely on the other side, far away from those who would harm them, shows your love for them. I know you love me just as much. It was a new beginning for them. Yes, there were trials along the way, but you never left them. I am thankful for each new day you give me to learn to know you and to trust you. I rest in knowing you are with me. In Jesus name, Amen
Cindy (gardnlady)
Sixty-six books in a year 