Just Don't Move

Have you ever felt like you were trusting God with everything you are . . . only to find yourself consumed with overwhelming circumstances in life that seem to point to the idea that God just simply can’t be trusted? He seems to be able to keep the universe in motion. He appears to be able to handle the “big stuff.” But He must be too busy to deal with the “details” of your life. You’ve declared your faith in Him, you’ve poured out your soul in surrender to Him as Lord of your life, you’re committed to following in His footsteps, yet you find yourself in the middle of Red Seas, encroaching enemies, and desert conditions where it’s unlikely that anyone could survive. Where is God then? Where is He when your world is crumbling down around you . . . when despair is pulling you under, and impossibilities surround you? In times like these, God is right where He has been all along . . . with you ALWAYS. You might not hear it over the crashing waves, the shouts of fear within your soul, or the sounding alarms of your pain, but God is speaking to you in the midst of it all, and His words could not be more clear, 
“Just don’t move.”

When we find ourselves facing difficulties beyond our comprehension and ability to handle, we exhaust all of our resources and then turn to God in frustration. We can relate to the Israelites whom God had freed from the bondage of Egypt, when they found themselves standing before a Red Sea and an encroaching army ready to devour them. We know what it feels like to have our backs against the wall . . . nowhere to turn and no way of escape. But, that’s where God comes in. It’s a harsh reality, but God has allowed the whole situation. He led the Israelites to the Red Sea. It was all no surprise to Him. They were right where He wanted them. They were being given the opportunity to not only “know” God, but they were given the great privilege of “seeing” Him. And all they could do is stand still. God wanted them to know that He alone would part the waters. He alone will make a way. The Red Sea was about God showing Himself strong in the face of impossibilities.

Whatever your Red Sea in life is at the moment, you must accept that God has allowed every circumstance that has brought you there. He knows about the enemies coming at you. He’s well aware that you’re consumed with fear. He’s brought you to this very place, so that you can witness, first hand, what it’s like to have the God of the universe stand with you and deliver you. God has brought you to the Red Sea to show you something critical in your faith . . . if you’re trusting in Him, you don’t need to do a thing . . . He will fight for you.

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Exodus 14:14 (NIV)

Saying that “standing still” is “difficult” is a dramatic understatement. When life is falling apart at the seams, it seems as though it’s impossible. But, when you’re trusting in the God who does the impossible, then there’s hope. And if God commands us to “be still,” then He’s going to give us the strength to do it. (Matthew 19:26; Philippians 4:13)

We know what happened at the Red Sea. God parted the waters. Unbelievable. Impossible. Not with God. The Israelites may have declared their faith in God, but He gave them the opportunity to witness His faithfulness. They walked across dry land and the enemy was defeated. Though raging waters surrounded them, able to take them under at any moment, God protected them and provided a way. Not a way of escape, but a way “through.” And He was with them every step of the way. He’s with you every step of the way too. He’ll never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)

So while you’re consumed by the raging waters of life that surround you, ready to take you under, stop to realize that your God is with you. Look up . . . He’s there; then look down . . . you’re on “dry ground.” God will make a way. Trust Him with each breath you take and each step you make. Grab hold of your faith and grip hold of His hand. You’re being given the opportunity to not only “know” God, but to “see” Him. No matter how things look . . . stand firm in your faith . . . 
“Just don’t move.”

“Therefore, stand firm.

Let nothing move you.” 

(1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV)