Exodus 14
Do you remember the story of Moses and the people of Israel crossing the Red Sea on dry ground? It’s an incredible story and we typically go there to see God’s power and how He protects His people. However, I want to look at one statement of Moses that I have often overlooked.
He makes this great statement amongst the Israelites who were greatly afraid of the approaching danger of the Egyptians (v.10). They were surrounded, with the Sea on one side and the Egyptians on the other. Israel knew that they were in obvious danger. You can imagine the stress of being in that situation. You can picture a Father worried about his family and preparing to protect them. You can picture a mother desperately clinging to her child. You can imagine fear in the people’s eyes, because they don’t know what to do. Many probably gave up their hope of being free.
I’m not quite sure where you are in your life right now. Maybe you’re in a stressful situation where you feel surrounded by so much worry and strife. Maybe you’re fearful of the future. Maybe you have no idea where to turn. Maybe you just feel lost and defeated. Maybe you’ve given up hope.
Moses makes an incredible statement amongst all of this to the people. He says in verse 13, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The lord will fight for you, and you only have to be silent.”
Imagine the courage and faith that Moses had to say this. Moses put his full trust in God and proclaimed that those around him should, too. I can only imagine the reactions of the Israelites.
Some, I’m sure, took Moses words to heart. They trusted in the Lord.
Others might have put some trust in God, but still had a deep fear of what might come.
Some might have scoffed and refused to listen to the words of Moses – too many times we end up in this category. Some of the last words we want to hear during a time of trail are very similar to the words that Moses said. Phrases like, “Trust God, He has a plan for you.”
Why do we hate hearing this? I believe it’s because we know that’s exactly what we must do, but we’re too afraid to give God full control. We think that it’s our own responsibility to climb out of whatever pit we fall into. When we’re lost, we don’t want to ask anyone or God for directions. We want to find the right path to take ourselves, instead of letting God lead us there.
We must learn to have full trust in God and give Him control of our lives. Psalms 46:10 tells us, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
It goes right along with what Moses said, “See the salvation of the Lord…. The Lord will fight for you…you only have to be silent.”
Put your full trust in God. Be patient. Let Him guide you to the right path. In your time of desperation, there is a God who is bigger and more powerful than any worry or stress you may have. There is a God who loves you and wants to fight for you. Have courage like Moses had!