Stand Still and Stay Calm
by Jim Person
After the Israelites were released from the bondage of Egypt, God continued teaching them how to trust Him in their times of trouble. We see, as we read further into the book of Exodus, the different ways God chose to bring this teaching of trusting Him into their lives. But here in Chapter 14, as they were pushed against the Red Sea, it is by far the most dramatic demonstration of God providing a way when there was no way!
Recently, we had a situation with our rental car that seemed like an insurmountable obstacle in our lives. We really couldn’t see a way past the situation, because we didn’t have the full picture. In Exodus 14:13, Moses told the people (as they were in full panic mode) “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today.” That is good advice for us today, as we face any situation that is before us. When we focus first on the natural, it is often difficult to see in the spirit right away. But as a leader who had seen God deliver them from four hundred years of bondage, even though he had wavered in God’s calling him to lead, Moses stood and lifted the staff he carried above the waves in that dire situation.
One of the most amazing acts that God did in this miracle was that He held back the tide of the enemy, who surged towards them with impending doom, and used the whirlwind that divided the sea to dry out the sea bottom so that the Israelites walked on dry ground. That was a huge hair dryer!
I don’t know what you are facing today, but God is with you and knows your situation. We can trust Him to fight on our behalf. In our situation with our car, God worked it out for us and the ministry that rented the car to us. Both of us have the satisfaction of seeing God work out our little miracle, so I know He will do so for you. As you stand still and watch God rescue you today (Oh! and stay calm while doing so), know that He is for you and knows your situation.
Prayer: Thank You, God, for bringing Your peace into my life. I struggle with waiting for Your timing Lord. Help me in my weakness, and teach me how to wait for Your provision and protection. I want to trust You in my situation. Help me to not panic when I do not see You moving in my time frame. Teach me Your ways, my Lord and Saviour. Amen.
Jim Person Jim grew up in Alaska and from a small child commercial fished every summer with his family. God called him, his wife Tanya, and their four children to move to Hungary as missionaries in 2003. God then led him to join Ellel Ministries in 2005. After serving in various positions with Ellel in Central and Eastern Europe, God led them back to the United States, where he is now serving with the Ellel USA team. Jim and Tanya have a passion to see leaders restored, the church discipled and walking in God’s fullness of life and freedom. They also love mentoring the existing and developing Ellel teams wherever God leads them. Jim also has a real gift for working with the land to create a beautiful and welcoming environment.
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