Last night, I sat up with a loved one throughout the wee hours of the morning. He had not slept and needed someone to talk to. I’m happy to be that person despite the lack of sleep. As we discussed the heaviness, I had the chance to remind him to be still. Be still and let God fight your battles. I encouraged with the truth he is never alone. You can do this, we will do this together, and most importantly we will rely on the Lord in this battle.
It just so happened that I was in Exodus 14 during my Bible and Beans time the other day. This passage fills me with so much comfort when we are facing our fears because of the promised outcome.
Exodus 14:13-14 NIV Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (emphasis mine)
Could the israelites be still?
Exodus 14 includes the story of the parting of the Red Sea, one of the most miraculous stories in the Bible. As the Egyptians are barreling down on the Israelites, I bet they were thinking of anything but being still. In fact, if it was me, I’d be paralyzed in fear.
I wrote how I was paralyzed in fear for decades in my post Spirit of Power––Trust It {Not Fear}. This passage in Exodus is also key in my lessons on fear. It is here I learned to, “Be still and let God fight your battles.”
Perhaps you are facing a gigantic Red Sea situation today that makes your heart palpitate in fear? Right now, in this moment can you be still?
Maybe your health is deteriorating, or the pandemic has wrecked your emotional and social skills? Maybe like the Israelites who wandered in the desert you are feeling far from home? Spiritually parched and thirsting for something, anything to satisfy and soothe your soul.
How can you trust in this truth, “Be still and let God fight your battles?”
The other night I had the opportunity to share my two-word story with my writing tribe. My word ties into this passage so well as I have journeyed from despair to delighting in the promises of the Lord day by day.
a two word story.
Overwhelmed. Overwhelmed.
Here’s how overwhelmed might have looked to the Israelites standing at the shore of the Red Sea. Panic, anxiety, hopeless, terrified, questioning, and facing a death sentence. Trapped at the edge of the sea.
How often do you experience the same feelings? Are you trapped in your life circumstances?
Back to the story in Exodus 14, as Moses encouraged them to be still, God was about to work miracles.
By the power of His hand, God parted the sea, provided a path to safety, and protected the Israelites against the schemes of their enemy.
I think this is one of the most miraculous stories in the Bible. In verse 31 it shares the response of the Israelites––fear of the Lord and trust. Reverent fear and awe.
As I continue on through my journey in Exodus, I see this story told to future generations. And yet, somehow, it lost its magnificence as the people rebelled and repeatedly proved they were prone to wander far from God.
Again, and again, they were overwhelmed. And I know, friend, you can feel that pit of overwhelm in your stomach or chest more often than you care to experience.
Read the verses again.
Exodus 14:13-14 NIV Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (emphasis mine)
can you let god fight your battles?
Let that promise leave you overwhelmed by God’s goodness. Do not live in fear. Pray for and ask for your deliverance.
As I sat talking wide awake at four in the morning, I prayed and asked God to overwhelm us with His peace and His promises for care over our situation. While the battle rages on around us, I am certain my loved one fell back to sleep peacefully trusting in the promise to “Be still, God will fight your battles.”
As you face battles in your body, mind, and spirit, how will you trust the Lord to deliver you? What action step will you need to take to allow the promises of God to overwhelm you in your joy-fueled living journey today? I’d love to read your comments below.
If you are facing fears over your health or you feel something is just not quite aligned right in your body, mind, and spirit, I invite you to join our next 21 Days Challenge. Women are finding amazing success in taking their first step to heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually on this faith-based health and wellness journey led by me, Christine Trimpe, Certified Health and Wellness Coach.
Join the Wait List here for the Summer Event 21 Days in 2021 Challenge with Christine. Starts July 6, 2021.
