What do you do when you’re back is up against a wall, facing an unbeatable enemy? Do you freeze? Do you expend vast amounts of energy that accomplish nothing? Maybe you’re tempted to moan and groan, complaining to any who will listen.
Moses knew about being backed against a wall. He knew about people who were frozen in fear and those who had too much energy to contain themselves. And, he knew about complainers.
When we peek into Exodus chapter 14, we find Moses trying to corral and contain the Israelites who literally had their backs against a wall- a wall of water! They were terrified!
We know how people can respond when fear reigns:
Sometimes they lash out.
Moses got an earful: from “Why?” and “I told you so” to “It would have been better if…“
Moses addressed it all head-on. “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. The Lord will fight for you, you need only be still.” Exodus 14:13-14 (NIV)
While the Lord gave specific directions to Moses concerning both the parting and crossing of the Red Sea, He followed with words of wisdom.
Do not be afraid.
Stand firm.
The Lord will fight for you.
You need only be still.
Maybe like me, when you’re afraid you want to do something, anything, with all that anxiety coursing through your body.
Fear is concern about the unknown.
Moses instructed, “Stand firm.” We can stand firm on what we do know.
I know the One who does know what will happen.
I know the One who will keep me safe, who will guide me in what to do.
I know Who holds me in the palm of His hand.
The astute instruction continues, “The Lord will fight for you, you need only be still.” It’s a promise! We can trust Him to defend us.
The Psalmist echoed these sentiments found in Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know I am God.”
God doesn’t need me to do anything.
I just need to trust God.
Trust that He knows.
He cares.
He’ll act.
He knows what is happening and what will happen tomorrow.
He will keep us safe and guide our steps.
He will fight for us.
We need to trust Him.
Wait on Him.
Then move when He says.
The next time voices, maybe yours’ or mine, begin chanting, “Why?”, “I told you so,” or “What if…” let’s ask God to fight for us. Let’s ask Him for the peace to be still.
Will you join me in asking Him for just that?
Prayer: Dear Lord, You know when my back is against the wall. When everything seems impossible. God, please guide me. Help me be still and wait on You, knowing You Yourself will fight for me. Help me trust Your word and learn to be patient. Thank You for teaching me, In Jesus’ name, Amen.