Exodus 14 - My Peace

So many hurting people…so many people who need to depend upon the Lord for His strength…this morning I am praying for…

…the one in physical pain from surgery yesterday
…the two who are in their last days with cancer and their families as they deal with all of the emotions of this time
…the one who continually gives into alcohol addiction and his spouse as she deals with it
…the family who see their child give into drug addiction over and over and feel so helpless
…the one scheduled for cancer surgery
…the one who feels like giving up on life because they wonder if the fight is worth it
…the one who is fighting addiction and leaning on Your strength
…the one who is seeking the Lord's will for the right job
…the couple living in blatant sin but afraid to commit to marriage
…the one who is uneasy about medical testing and upcoming surgery

Exodus 14 gives us an account of Moses being obedient to the Lord.  Matthew Henry writes:

The seasonable encouragement that Moses gave them in this distress, v. 13, v. 14. He answered not these fools according to their folly. God bore with the provocation they gave to him, and did not (as he might justly have done) chose their delusions, and bring their fears upon them; and therefore Moses might well afford to pass by the affront they put upon him. Instead of chiding them, he comforts them, and with an admirable presence and composure of mind, not disheartened either by the threatenings of Egypt or the tremblings of Israel, stills their murmuring, with the assurance of a speedy and complete deliverance: Fear you not. Note, It is our duty and interest, when we cannot get out of our troubles, yet to get above our fears, so that they may only serve to quicken our prayers and endeavours, but may not prevail to silence our faith and hope. 1. He assures them that God would deliver them, that he would undertake their deliverance, and that he would effect it in the utter ruin of their pursuers: The Lord shall fight for you. This Moses was confident of himself, and would have them to be so, though as yet he knew not how or which way it would be brought to pass. God had assured him that Pharaoh and his host should be ruined, and he comforts them with the same comforts wherewith he had been comforted. 2. He directs them to leave it to God, in a silent expectation of the event: "Stand still, and think not to save yourselves either by fighting or flying; wait God’s orders, and observe them; be not contriving what course to take, but follow your leader; wait God’s appearances, and take notice of them, that you may see how foolish you are to distrust them. Compose yourselves, by an entire confidence in God, into a peaceful prospect of the great salvation God is now about to work for you. Hold your peace; you need not so much as give a shout against the enemy, as Jos. 6:16 . The work shall be done without any concurrence of yours.’’ Note, (1.) If God himself bring his people into straits, he will himself discover a way to bring them out again. (2.) In times of great difficulty and great expectation, it is our wisdom to keep our spirits calm, quiet, and sedate; for then we are in the best frame both to do our own work and to consider the work of God. Your strength is to sit still (Isa. 30:7 ), for the Egyptians shall help in vain, and threaten to hurt in vain.

The key verses in this passage are found in verses thirteen and fourteen…specifically in verse fourteen.

13 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. 14 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

The Lord is with us no matter what we come up against.  His strength is our strength.  His wisdom is our wisdom.  In order for that to happen we must listen to Him and allow Him to be in control of every aspect of our life.  When we do this, we will be blessed in knowing we are living in His will.  

Matthew Henry's words say it all.  "Compose yourselves, by an entire confidence in God, into a peaceful prospect of the great salvation God is now about to work for you. Hold your peace; you need not so much as give a shout against the enemy…"  His peace is our peace when we seek Him.  

Dear Jesus,
So many people are hurting due to different things going on in their lives.  First of all, I pray they will know You.  Secondly, I pray for those who know You to be in relationship with You. I pray not only will they be in relationship with You but also they would be totally surrendered to You.  Father, I pray You will be their Peace.  I pray You will be their Strength.  Lord, open doors that need opened and close doors that need closed in each of these situations.  Thank You Jesus for being My Peace.  Amen.