Moses

Standing Still In Trials

READ Exodus 14

Moments of desperation or anxiety can bring out the worst in us if we aren’t careful. We lash out in our own strength or abandon all hope in despair. In Exodus 14, Moses showed us another way—the faithful way—to respond in moments of deep stress. We can stand firm in God and listen to his voice.

Though born a slave, Moses grew up in the privileged setting of Pharaoh’s household. He presumably lived comfortably in that setting. But God planted a hunger for justice in Moses. Seeing his fellow Israelites mistreated by harsh Egyptian slave masters, Moses took matters into his own hands. He attacked and killed one of the Egyptians to protect a Hebrew slave. When his crime was found out, Moses fled to Midian.

In Midian Moses lived as a shepherd, caring for his father-in-law’s flocks. He probably thought he would live out his days in peace. After forty years, however, God called him to return to Egypt to confront Pharaoh. Though Moses resisted, God was adamant: Moses was his chosen servant to free the Israelites from their slavery.

God delivered the Israelites in a dramatic way, with a series of plagues that put the false gods of Egypt to shame. Through all this, Moses (and everyone else!) witnessed the mighty power of God firsthand. Yet the conflict with Egypt wasn’t finished. God led Israel and Egypt to one final dramatic showdown at the edge of the Red Sea.

As they reached an immovable sea, the Israelites began to panic when they saw their enemies approaching, and they cried out in anger toward Moses for leading them out of Egypt (Exodus 14:11–12). Moses, however, knew by now to trust in God’s power, no matter how dire the situation looked. He told 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” (vv. 13–14). What an amazing promise!

God did indeed fight for his people that day. He told Moses to raise his staff over the waters, which parted before the people and allowed them to cross on dry ground. God then moved his presence from in front of the people to behind, protecting them from their enemies. And in a final act of liberation from their enslavers, God wiped out the Egyptian army in the presence of the Israelites.

Psalm 46 describes God’s voice ringing clear over the chaos and battles of the world: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” (v. 10). This verse echoes what Israel witnessed when everything looked hopeless. The Lord fought for them; they only needed to be still.

Every person will have a point in life where they feel trapped, like the Israelites. Perhaps it’s from extreme pressure at work, conflict with family, the heavy toll of mental health issues, or a struggle with addiction. Like the Israelites, we might be tempted to despair, not seeing any way out of a predicament. Yet God gives us grace and strength. When we remember God’s promises and power, we can be still and let God be Lord over our current crisis.

The testimony of Moses is also a reminder that faithfulness is not only about our individual spiritual gain. Moses spoke God’s power and promises when others were panicking. Who do you know who feels trapped and consumed by despair? Consider how God might be calling you to be his voice of comfort and joy in their lives, pointing them to the Rock that is higher than all our worries or storms (Psalm 61:2).

When you feel desperate and fearful, lashing out won’t help. Neither will sinking into despair. God is your help. When you feel trapped and hopeless, be still and remember that God is your ever-present help in trouble. By God’s grace and Spirit, you’ll receive the strength you need to face the moment before you. God may not deliver you from every storm, but he is certainly in every storm with you, sustaining you by his loving strength.