Stand Still
When the Egyptians chased the Israelites to the Red Sea, Moses faced a dilemma. He had a track record with God. But, he was looking over his shoulder, too. Now the scared people surrounded him—what would the Egyptians do to them if they caught them? He had an unending sea in front of him and a hostile army behind him. Did he quake in his sandals?
I imagine he looked upward. Maybe he asked, “What now, God?”
“And Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace” Exodus 14:13,14.
God answered. “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward” Exodus 15a.
And the children of Israel safely crossed the Red Sea and the Egyptians, coming after them, all drowned.
Watch
Gideon was a reluctant Judge of the Israelites. At one point, the Midianites, Amalekites and the people of the East camped in a valley, getting ready for war against the Israelites. The story goes that this was a vast, numberless army. God pared Gideon’s army to 300 men. What was a commander to do with this?
First, he watched. Then, during reconnaissance, he listened to a prophecy and worshipped God. Next, Gideon divided up his company into three sections, all with different and unlikely accoutrements to make noise. Just before dawn, they blew trumpets, broke pitchers, held torches above the valley. The army below acted as if they were beleaguered and about to be conquered. And they killed each other. Gideon’s army did not need to go anywhere until it was over.
“This is nothing else but the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel; for into his hand God has delivered Midian and the whole camp” Judges 7:14.
Fast and Pray
King Jehoshaphat was informed that a great army was coming to battle against his people. Even from beyond the sea, and the king feared.
He called for a fast through the kingdom and sought the Lord. They held a massive prayer meeting to ask God for help. They acknowledged their helplessness against the enemy and God’s power. They called upon Him to defend them just as He had their forebears and given them the land. God responded by telling them not to be afraid, but to go out against the enemy army the next morning. He would be with the Israelites, his people.
When they went out the next morning, they found all of the armies slain. As with Gideon, these armies had slain each other. King Jehoshaphat and his people did not have to fight.
“Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.’” II Chronicles 20:15.
“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.
God Fights For Us
None of God’s armies had to fight. They believed God. They acted on what He told them to do. They exercised their faith in God and His ability to defend them. He came through. God’s armies never lifted a finger. God fought the battles and defeated their enemies.
Who/what are your enemies? What will God do if you exercised your faith in Him and His ability to defend you?
When do we get the message? How many times does God have to show us His faithfulness before we will believe Him and act on Him?
Believe Him today! He will fight for us!
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