Resisting the Urge to Run

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. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:13-14

Exodus 14:13-14 is Joanne of An Open Book pick for this week’s Monday Manna. It provides an opportunity for fellow bloggers to chew on the same scripture passage and share their insights.

Most of us are probably familiar with the Israelites exodus from Egypt. Oppressed for hundreds of years, they suddenly found themselves in the midst of God’s deliverance plan. However, it didn’t feel or look much like deliverance to them. In fact, it seemed foolish to leave oppressive comfort for a wilderness journey full of the unknown. So foolish that they were complaining and seeking to go back to bondage. Not to mention that their taskmasters were now pursing them.

When posed with danger, it is natural to be scared and to be tempted to run. Which makes Moses instructions sound illogical and like a sure recipe for disaster. So what does it take for one to be able to follow such unnatural instructions?

The exact same thing it takes for you and I to follow the illogical instructions, we hear uttered to us in our daily lives. TRUST.

To stand still when everything in us wants to run.

To forge ahead when our knees are shaking.

To face our enemies instead of avoiding them.

To rely on God rather than defend ourselves.

All takes TRUST.

Not in ourselves but in the one who is with us always to the ends of the earth.

What does this passage speak to you?  To find out what others are saying visit An Open Book.