TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5
Exodus 14:13-14
Psalm 46

“Be still, and know that I am God:
I will be exalted among the heathen …”

HAVE FAITH THOUGH OTHERS FEAR

What was Moses’ response when others trembled in fear and faithlessly complained against him? Moses simply gave three encouragements to them: “fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD” (Exod 14:13). Moses also told them that this would be the last time they would see their Egyptian slave masters. This was because the LORD Himself would fight for them there.

It would have been easy for Moses to also panic, fear, and feel regret. For though they were larger in number, they were unarmed, untrained, and inexperienced compared to Pharaoh’s elite force armed with advanced military weapons. Moreover they were in a most disadvantageous position, being stuck between Pharaoh’s powerful army and the sea. All this might end in being rounded up and returned to slavery. This would be detrimental for the elderly, women, and children. It was as if the people were saying, it was all because of you, Moses, you should have left us alone when we told you to. In this sense, Moses may have been facing more fears than the people. Moses could have focused on all these fears, but he did not. Moses’ response of faith though others feared showed how he had grown spiritually to trust the LORD from the time God called him at the burning bush. His response was truly commendable, and is a great example for us to stand firm (even if we are alone) when others fear, complain, and want to turn back. Moses must have remembered God’s ability to deliver and His faithfulness in bringing to pass what He promised (Exod 7-11). The LORD had told him that He “will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host” (Exod 14:4). Fear is focusing on circumstances. Faith is focusing on God. Fear sees how impossible the situation is. Faith sees how infinite God is. Fear is caused by forgetting what God has done. Faith is remembering what God has accomplished. When others fear, you must have faith, even if you are alone in doing so.

THOUGHT: Does my life encourage others to trust God?
PRAYER: Help me, O God, that my faith will grow and stand firm when trials come.