PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Exodus 13-15
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“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 find it helpful to repeat the words, “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
Try it next time you face a crisis, and see how the Lord makes a way for 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!
I kept thinking what it must of been like for the families in Egypt waiting for their warrior men to come back after pursuing the Israelites. Eventually, they would have heard what happened – and a new Pharaoh had to be put in place. As in Marian’s song – the surrounding peoples would hear as well – their fear of the God of the Israelite’s would be genuine. God was in their midst. God is in me – I’m a temple of the HS. Why am I still fearful and anxious at times? There were times that I had hoped the Lord would show his powerful hand – the drama of the passing through the sea. Forgive me for seeking drama – but rather open my eyes that I might see what God is doing and then sing Marian’s song “Sing to the Lord for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has thrown into the sea!” Jesus has conquered the evil one – he too will be thrown into the eternal abyss!
God’s presence.
The people could see His presence, His guidance by the pillar of fire and the cloud.
How do I see His hand upon my life guarding and guiding me in the way to go?
And the people were instructed to tell of the Lord to their children of His faithfulness anf guidance. Have I? Have my kids heard of God, seen God in my life? Have they seen my living for Jesus without grumbling and complaining?
Living for Jesus needs to be first as I continue my journey of joy for the joy of the Lord God is my strength.
Verse 1
God the Father, God of glory,
miracles, and mystery;
generations all adore him,
God the same through history.
Chorus
Parents, tell your children, age to age the same.
Glorify the living Lord above,
magnify his holy name,
magnify his holy name.
Verse 2
Lift the fallen, feed the hungry;
God provides for everything.
He is fair and full of kindness,
saving those who call him King.
Verse 3
Awe-inspiring deeds of splendor–
these proclaim his mighty power;
interwoven with compassion
is his strength for every hour.