We Are Like The Israelites
The Israelites were in a tight spot. In front of them the impenetrable barrier of the Red Sea, behind them the advancing Egyptian army. They were caught in a trap, with nowhere to go — and they were panicking.
“What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt?” They cried out to the Lord. “It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness” Exodus 14:11-12 ESV
These were the very people who had witnessed, first hand, the power and protection of God in their escape from slavery. The same people who were experiencing His presence and provision on a daily basis in their journey to the Promised Land. Yet with every advancing step of the Egyptian army, their faith and trust in God’s plans and promises crumbled. From lips that once praised Him now came accusations and blame. How quickly the tide had turned.
And yet don’t we do the same? When we face circumstances in our lives that seem hopeless, fraught with hardship, suffering and pain. When we are called to fight uphill battles with insurmountable odds, we respond with panic.
Panic that erodes our trust and weakens our defenses. Panic that leads us to lash out in fear against those that love us the most, and doubt the truth of what we know – Who God is, and what He has already done in our lives, and hearts to bring us this far. Panic that causes us to turn from Him and search for another way, an easier road than the one He has called us to walk.
Fight The Storm With Peace
Yet this is not the life He has planned for us. Instead of running, blaming and accusing, we are called to stand up and fight. Fight our storm…with peace.
“And Moses said to the people, ‘Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent’” Exodus 14:13-14 ESV
Peace in the midst of the storm, calm in the face of chaos. This is the response God is calling us to, this is the antidote to our fear. For God will never lead us to battle and then abandon us when the going gets tough. He promises to fight for us, fight with us, through every battle– big or small. And we, in return, are called simply to trust. To trust that the God who split the Red Sea and led the Israelites to safety once more, will do the same for us – every single time.
When fear creeps in and panic prevails, we can trust God, and declare with confidence: “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Psalm 118:6). And there, in the midst of our storm, find peace.
