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“The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm” (Exodus 14:14, NLT).
Have you ever wanted something so badly you’d do anything to achieve it? Maybe it was a college degree, or finally finding that Mr.Charming to share your life with? Perhaps it was paying off your debt or becoming a professional dancer despite the criticisms of others?
Regardless of the dream, I believe we can all relate to the inner longings within our souls. The longer our hope gets deferred and delayed, however, the wearier we become. When waiting feels like a wall, we’re tempted to give up, call our dreams far-fetched, and throw a petty tantrum. Can you relate?
The question isn’t when our dreams will get delayed, but rather, what to do when they do. According to Exodus chapter 14, Scripture reminds us that when the road seems long, and we’ve reached our wits’ end, we can choose to rest. Rest? Yes, rest. But there’s so much to do, our minds spat! Of course there is, this is life. But God’s rest is an active pursuit. Let me explain.
God’s people also had dreams. Dreams of freedom, joy, and living life to the fullest. Overwhelmed by the weight of their sin and the oppression of their enemies, they felt stuck. Just after leaving Egypt, they come face-to-face with the Red Sea. And yet, watch what the Lord commands them:
“As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the Lord, and they said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? Didn’t we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, ‘Leave us alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!’” But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm” (Exodus 14:10-14, NLT).
God’s people stood face-to-face with a mountain—talk about a rock and a hard place. And yet, in the midst of waiting, the unknown, scary, and crazy places, the Lord said, “Just stay calm.” The NIV says verse 14 this way: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14, NIV).
If we’re honest with ourselves and others, “being still” is easier said than done. Especially when we’re waiting on something we really want, we’d prefer the Scriptures tell us to “get moving,” or “hurry,” and yet the opposite is true. When we’re longing for something with our whole hearts, I believe two things are required:
1. Constant surrender to the Lord.
2. Patience and peace to wait on His timing.