Be Still

 Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(A)”> Stand firm and you will see<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(B)”> the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(C)”> again. The Lord will fight<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(D)”> for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14: 13-14 (Recommend you read all of Exodus 14 for complete context.)

On July 20th I awoke with this verse on my heart. Since that time it seems everywhere I go there it is again. It is a now Word the LORD is speaking– and not just for me but for others as well. 

In this passage of scripture Moses is telling the people of Israel to not be afraid, to stand firm and they will see the deliverance of the LORD. We know how the LORD did indeed come through in a mighty and powerful way as they crossed on dry land to the other side of the sea. When Moses made this bold decree all they knew is they were hemmed in– their enemy was fast approaching and they had no where to go, a sea of water was in front and a mad army was behind. It took a great trust for the Israelite people to stand, to remain in their place, their position. When our enemy is right behind us the natural tendency is to fight because if we fight at least we are “doing” something. To stand in a position of trust requires that we completely trust our lives to the one making the promise. The way is unknown. We don’t know how victory is coming. Everything within us screams that we must “help”, not realizing our “help” hinders unless GOD has said to help.

How can we stand still and be at peace when the voice of the enemy is LOUD and BOISTEROUS intimidating us, boldly telling us the evil about to happen to us? Reminding us of all that will go wrong (this is because he sees his control of us slipping away)– things that have been true in the past and brought pain and sorrow. The Voice saying, “Don’t fear.Trust Me” is a still small voice. Yet, that Voice is filled with peace, authority and hope. Our insides are jelly and we can’t comprehend how He could possibly bring victory when we are against a wall– here a wall of water–and our enemy is right behind us. Victory seems impossible!

The people of Israel were instructed to stand firm or as another Bible translation says, “hold their peace”. They were to stay in their position and not give place to the enemy by engaging him in battle or even talk. If you read on in Exodus 14 you will read how the Israelite people walked forward when GOD rolled the sea back for them. They had to turn their back on their enemy to do this trusting that GOD had their back. They moved forward and ignored the enemy behind them. To turn our backs on the enemy requires total trust that GOD has a plan.

What have you prayed about but are still trying to fix? Still brainstorming searching for the best solution? Choose to move forward following the LORD just as the Israelites followed the cloud of the LORD. Exodus 14:24 says the LORD looked down from the cloud and threw the Egyptians into confusion. As we follow the LORD He will also put our enemy into confusion. The key is to allow Him to do this. Our focus must be the same as theirs was. They focused on following the cloud. We must keep our eyes on JESUS not our enemy or problem. Whatever you focus on will be the larger thing in your eyes.

Exodus 14:27 tells of how at daybreak the sea went back into it’s place. The enemies of the Israelites was not just defeated– they were dead! The Israelite could now go forward with no concern about the enemy because when GOD fights for you He does a thorough job! They had not just won a battle, they had won the war!

What battle is before you? What storm is raging? Keep your heart focused on JESUS and He will lead you to the other side! There may be thoughts of wondering if He will indeed come through– this is normal, stand still. Circumstances may appear the enemy is winning, don’t give up, stand still. Refuse to give in to the raging of the enemy no matter how loud or how your emotions cause you to feel. Trust Him who never fails!

“Fear ye not, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD (Jehovah), which He will show you today for the Egyptians (their enemy) whom you’ve seen today ye shall see no more for ever (that’s a long time). The LORD shall fight for you and you shall hold your peace (be still, be quiet).”