SCRIPTURE: Exodus 14
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
(Read my reflection from 2008)
Moses answered the people, “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 to be still.” [Exodus 14:13-14]
Having made the decision to follow Moses and God, the Israelites are now facing their first test.
Moses assures them that they will see God’s deliverance, and urges them to stand firm, to be still.
The threat is real, they are helpless against Pharoah’s army.
But they are not alone, God is with them and He will fight for them.

“Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” [John 11:39-40]
This is a totally different context (Lazarus has died, Jesus has indicated that God will help), but Jesus makes a similar comment to Moses: if you believe, you will see the glory of God!
Stand firm, and you will see; believe, and you will see!

As Jesus followers, we have made a decision to follow Jesus (greater than Moses) and God.
We too will face many tests, times when the enemy or threat will be approaching, and we will be afraid.
After Jesus is baptized, and God declares His love for His Son, He is driven out into the wilderness to be tested by the devil [Matthew 4:1].
All those who choose to follow will face these times of testing, it is common to all!
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. [1 Corinthians 10:13]
God allows us to face these times of testing to strengthen our commitment to Him.
In these moments, will we stand firm, will we be still, will we believe?

This needs to become practical: what is the Lord leading me to?
And when it gets hard, will I keep doing it?
If I step out in faith, and people or circumstances rise up against me, will I stand firm to see the glory of God, to see Him fighting for me, and helping me?
This needs to be my hope as I move forward into the new year with the Lord, The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.

PRAYER:
Lord, You are challenging me to follow You in specific, practical ways, and I can already sense it is not going to be easy. Help me to stand firm and believe, so that I may see Your deliverance, Your glory!