When Fear Grips and Faith Falters
As the Israelites stood at the edge of the unforgiving sea, the sound of tyranny echoed in their ears, and the threat of defeat loomed large. Despite God’s miraculous intervention in their escape from captivity, they quivered with fear, nostalgic for the familiar rhythms of their former life. “Take us back to the whips and hunger, to servitude,” they cried out in desperation. “Anything is better than dying here in the desert.”
The Unlikely Command
In this moment of crisis, a seasoned military leader would typically rally the troops with a stirring speech and a battle plan. But God’s instructions were unexpected, even counterintuitive: “Don’t be afraid…stand firm…the Lord will fight for you…BE STILL.” This was no call to arms, but an invitation to surrender, to quiet the heart and listen to the divine whisper.
The Tyrant’s Roar
What tyrant is it that roars in our ears today? What enemies seek to discourage and intimidate us? Before God gives us the green light to move forward, He asks us to pause, to gaze into His face, and to shut out the lies of the enemy. It is in these moments of stillness that we hear the reassuring whisper: “I will fight for you.”
The Power of Stillness
Often, it is only after these moments of quiet contemplation that we receive our next instructions: “Move on.” And when we’ve navigated the impossible, we’ll join the chorus of the brave Israelite women, singing: “The Lord is my strength and defense…He is my God, and I will praise Him…”
A Personal Confession
I confess, Lord, that the growling seas and the enemy’s threats often leave me torn between submission and self-reliance. Help me keep my eyes fixed on You and my ears attuned to Your gentle whisper: “Be still.” In Your presence, I find the strength to face the impossible.
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