Will We Turn Back?

When Israel was being led away from Egypt, God do not take them through Philistia, which was the shortest route.  Exodus 13:17 tells us that this was because if the Israelites faced war they might change their minds (about freedom from Egypt and slavery) and turn back.  This was true even though they left Egypt armed for battle.  There is something about war and battles that, if we are not ready for them, it is easy to become discouraged and turn away from the path you are walking on.

I have seen this in new believers who experienced battles after their conversion and fight the desire to return to their former way of life.  If it becomes too difficult it seems we want to take the shortest route back to the lack of war or battle.  The spiritual battles we fight cause the same issues for those of us who have been Christians for a long time.  When the battles come we shrink back wondering where God was in our lives.  When the battles come we become discouraged and somewhat cowardly.  Instead of steeping into the fray was armor shining and weapons ready, we seek to hide in the crevice of a rock.  How little we believe in the power of God's protection and provision!

Since Israel took the long way to the promised land, the Egyptians had time to change their minds and decided to go and bring back the Israelites as their slaves.  As the Egyptians army was seen nearer their camp the people of Israel grumbled and complained.  But Moses said,

"Stand firm and you will see the deliverance  the Lord will bring you today...the Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."

To be still doesn't mean to do nothing, but it does mean to still your heart (from grumbling) and still your mind (from over-thinking) and to be still from allowing fear to run the decisions we make.  Moses also said to stand firm, immovable, on the front line, with confidence, watching what God will do with expectation.  I think we usually find a place to hide and cover our eyes (and the eyes of our children), praying that when we open our eyes everything will be o.k.  

Attacks seem to be all around us and Satan is trying very hard to have us back on our heals focused on the armies coming after us.  After 6 months of this I am sick and tired of doing my share of cowering.  It is time to stand firm and look for the deliverance of the Lord, and still the voices inside of us that are influencing our reactions.  Let's stand firm, be still and let the Lord fight some battles.  

Wednesday night prayer is a place for all of us to start: 6:30 at the church.