Upheld In Getting It

We talk about moving forward. It’s something we must do. Time does not stand still.

God’s Commands

But what happens to our plans when God commands us to stand still?

When He asks us to wait on Him, sometimes do we feel like the world is passing us by because we are standing still instead of scrapping to get ahead?

God knows His plans for us. We only know mystery and can’t understand why we can’t just move on. Maybe obedience just doesn’t make sense!

Stand Still and See

When Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, there was great rejoicing. Bondage was now behind them and they were moving forward. Great joy and jubilance accompanied them. I imagine children ran free, laughing and playing. Animals moved the families goods and it could be that many men and women were assessing their skills and gifts to plan how they would put it all to work to make a living once they reached the Promised Land.

Then they came to the Red Sea. They would have to cross it. Perhaps several engineer types started to plot how they could cross. Until they were startled by the thundering hooves of the Egyptian army horses carrying their soldiers straight for the former slaves.

Dear God! People probably scrambled for their children and their goods. And a great cry went heavenward. Would God bring His people out only to have them slaughtered at the seashore?

But no. God told Moses to make a short speech. “Do not be afraid. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today…The Lord will fight for you and you shall hold your peace” Exodus 14:13a,14.

We all know what happened next: the Red Sea parted and the Israelites crossed over in safety. But not so for the Egyptians who were swamped and all lost.

God had a plan. He meant for His people to stand still while He fought for them. He made a way.

Position Yourself

Fast forward a couple of centuries and Jehoshaphat was King of Judah. He pleased the Lord, He walked in the way of His commandments.

King Joe sought God’s wisdom all during his reign and God granted him favor.

Then came the day when a great multitude marched against Judah: soldiers from Ammon, Moab, Syria and beyond. King Joe immediately went to God publicly. He acknowledged God’s sovereignty, His gift of the land to His people and petitioned God in fear and trembling, to deliver His people.

Through a prophet, God instructed King Joe concerning the next day’s battle. “You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem! Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you” II Chronicles 20:17.

King Joe sent the “praise and chorus” foot soldiers first. Then he and the warriors lined up for battle and stood still in amazement. I wonder what they thought and felt as they surveyed the dead armies before them? The armies had ambushed each other and the nation of Judah was not touched.

Forward movement meant standing still!

It seems to me that God often repeats Himself when He wants us to “get it.” Two completely different life situations, centuries apart, and yet the command was the same: Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. He will fight for you. Do not be afraid or dismayed.

Hear His command. 

Do Not Be Afraid Or Dismayed.

Stand Still and See.

Position Yourself. 

What is God doing in your life?

“Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever” II Chronicles 20:21b.