Laura J. Davis

Read Exodus 14:1-31

The Israelites are on the verge of freedom. They have finally been given permission by Pharaoh to leave and so they set out, only to be pursued by Pharaoh who has once again changed his mind. But even after all the miraculous ways that God has displayed His power to the Hebrews they still shake in fear.

The situation did look hopeless of course. Pharaoh's army was behind them and in front of them was the Red Sea. They had no way of escape, but they did have the knowledge that God was with them because He sent a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to guide them. It would have been impossible for them  not to realize this pillar was God with them. Yet even with God in their midst they turned on Moses, blamed him for leading them out of slavery and began to complain once again. They were overwhelmed by their fears. Scripture says they were terrified (vs.10). 

Sometimes, life can be terrifying. Losing our children in the mall, losing our jobs, finding out we have cancer - there are so many things that can make us afraid. But God says this, "The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still" (vs. 14). Remarkably, that is the hardest thing to do when our fears become reality.  To be still. To wait on God. To trust Him.

Yet, that is what He asks of us and it is the hardest part of living for Him. Learning to be still, turning everything over to Him and waiting.

Take some time today to be still before the Lord and ask Him to deliver you from your fears.