From: Ben Kelley
Subject: Standing still and still standing
Many believers know a verse or two that tell us to "stand still." We usually read them when we're facing an enemy, or we quote them to others when they are. I wonder though, "How long do we stand still?" or, "Are we standing still, still?" Let's look at one of those "stand still" passages.-----------
And Moses said unt the people, "fear ye not, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, which HE will show to you today: for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you shall see them again no more forever. The LORD shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace. (Exodus 14:13-14)
God never leaves things so "static" that you can just "park it" and "forget about it." Many Christians latch onto verses like this and stay camped out on them. Their praying, resisting the enemy, studying the Word, seeking the Spirit, etc., are all just put on hold as they "stand still." God's command to "stand still," here and in the other passages that come to my mind, is a command to "quit shaking in your boots" and trust God to work His power in your lives. It is not an authorization to quit any and all service to God. If you read the very next word from God (verse 15ff), you will hear God tell Moses; (my paraphrase) "Why are you still standing there crying out to Me? Tell my people to get up and move out! At the same time, you are to lift your rod and hold your hand over the sea to divide it; then all of you can walk through it on dry ground." The stillness God called them to was to be in their hearts and minds. When HE told them to "hold their peace," (verse 14) HE was saying; "Hold onto the peace that comes from knowing I AM God and I am with you. You are safe with Me on your side." God says, "As you go with Me, remember that I go with you. Don't fret or worry when the enemy comes at
you. They are no match for Me!" When the enemy’s army is rushing at you, just go where and when God tells you to. If HE tells you to attack, HE will give you stones for your sling. If HE tells you to flee, HE will be your rear guard. If the way seems dark, HE will shed light as you go, The key is; HE goes with you. Don't be full of fear.
One other thought from this passage— Remember, back in verse 13, God said they wouldn't see the Egyptians they saw that day, anymore. HE didn't say they would never see any more Egyptians! HE takes care of our enemies as each battle arises; HE does not say there will be no more battles. We will, until HE takes us to Himself, see Other Egyptians. While here on this earth, we must not lose sight of what Jesus said in John 16:33; "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world" We sometimes tend to be like Elijah after his "Mt. Carmel" experience. When God has just given us a mighty deliverance, we sometimes get blind-sided by another attack. We have to keep our eyes on The One Who is: our Rock, our Shelter, our High Tower, our very Present Help in time of trouble. We need to tell and re-tell our stones of God's past deliverances, for they remind us (and our fellow believers) that HE is, and will be, with us to deliver in our present and future battles.
I wonder, are any of us still "standing still" on the sight of old battles? Have we quit marching onward as God's people, because we're "still standing" on the sea shore, while God wants us to walk on through?
Maybe there are some of us who are running in fear the threats of a "Jezebel," as Elijah did after the mighty Mount Carmel experience. We think the last battle we faced should have been the last" battle. Remember that God's promise is for a future rest. While we're here, we're going to have more battles, but we are to be still in knowing the same God that delivered at our "Mt. Carmel," or our "Red Sea" is still in the "delivery business." Remember, as I quoted in part earlier; "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will we not fear (we will stand still and hold on to our peace), though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea (when our whole world seems shaken). Psalm 46:1-2
Get back in the battle, for the victory is at hand,
Ben