THE STORY OF JESUS: Exodus 12-14
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14)
How do you respond when things go crazy, or fall apart, or become stressful?
For me, I jump into ‘panic’ mode, and try to manage and fix things.
On the one hand, this is good; God wired us to respond wisely to challenges.
But, to clarify, He wired us to respond to challenges WITH Him, not FOR Him.
Too often we (I) go it alone, take things into our own hands, or forget about God.
I love these words of Moses (v.14), but I am also challenged by them.
When the stress levels rise, instead of going into ‘panic’ mode, try ‘peace’ mode.
Breathe deep, quiet the mind, go slow, and face the tension WITH God.
He has not abandoned us, He is not ignoring us, He will not leave us to the enemy.
Too often our panic only increases the problem, our responses only makes things worse.
God will help you differently than He helped Israel in this story… but He will help!
Don’t let the enemy scare you into folly – which is his intention.
I have found it helpful to repeat these words, “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
I repeat them as a calming refrain, helping me to “be still”.
Try it next time you face a tense or challenging situation.
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I see You resting on the boat while the storm rages. Remind me that You are Lord of the wind and waves of life, and You will lead me through to the other side!
When the Israelites came out of Egypt, the Lord went ahead of them – pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. God’s visible leading. Not only was it a visible leading but also protection – remember them fleeing the Egyptians?
Although we do not have the pillar of fire or of cloud we have His promise – surely, I am with you always to th very end of the age. He gave us His Spirit through His Word which directs, guide and feeds us daily.
Open my eyes Lord that I may see Your leading in all situations – in my joys and sorrows – and trust in Your leading every day.
Lead me oh Lord, won’t you lead me
I am tired and I need Thy strength and power
To guide me over my darkest hour
For just open my eyes that I may see
Lead me oh Lord, won’t you lead me
Lead me, guide me along the way
For if you lead me I cannot stray
Or just open my eyes that I may see
Lead me oh Lord, won’t you lead me
I am lost if you take your hand from me
I am blind without thy light to see