And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.
Exodus 14:13
It never ceases to amaze me how often I run across verses like this one when I’m studying the bible. There is so much that we can get from just this single verse. The way that God is able to take one verse and speak to me personally on so many different levels is remarkable. Perhaps what can be even more remarkable is that you may have read the verse and got something else entirely from it. I’m thankful that God speaks to us through his word. Here is just a glimpse at what I got from this verse.
1. We don’t need to be afraid.
We don’t have to live our lives in fear. Let’s face it we do at times get fearful. Fear of the future. Fear that something might happen to our kids. Fear that we will lose our jobs. Fear of terrorist threats. Fear of ________. But, what God is saying is for us to NOT fear.
2. Be patient.
Standing still implies that we should wait. This is something that I should read every day. I can be so impatient at times.
3. Salvation is tangible.
Salvation is real. You can touch it. You can feel it. You can know and have confidence that you are saved. Stand still and see your salvation. We can see the evidence of God’s redemtive power working in our lives as our minds are renewed daily.
4. Stop trying to do everything on your own.
“He will accomplish for you.” Your salvation is a gift from God! You cannot earn it. You do not deserve it. It is by His grace alone that you and I are saved. So, maybe you say I know that…or I’ve heard that before. But, here is the next question we ought to ask ourselves. If God has done all the work to save me, why do I think I have to do everything else on my own? How many of us accept the grace of God for salvation but then walk away thinking everything else in life is ours alone to handle? The bible says to cast your cares on Him because He cares for you. Why don’t we just stop trying to do it all on our own already.
5. Today’s battle will not last forever, your victory is already determined.
Oh sure it’s tough to accept it today, because when you look over your shoulder you can see the Egyptians coming on their chariots. Whatever struggles and challenges you are facing in life can seem like an army charging at you. The stress can be unbearable. The odds might seem insurmountable. But, you got to remember you have God on your team. Know that as you cross the red sea that the wall of water is going to drown those chariots and utterly destroy them. Our victory has already been determined. In the end we win.
