Moses kept standing firm in the face of fear. The appearance of Pharaoh’s army panicked the people, and in their fear, they complained. But Moses doesn’t appear to flinch at their criticism.
Exodus 14: 13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. 14 The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” [1]
Moses was in a spiritual battle and could stand firm because he trusted God to come through. We, too, experience spiritual battles and are to trust God to stand firm. Ephesians 6: 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil… 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then, after the battle, you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground.[2]
Remember God’s Promises
How can we remember to trust God in the battle like Moses did? God had given Moses a promise when He called him to lead Israel. Exodus 3: 12 God answered, “I will be with you. And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this very mountain.” [3]
Moses knew God had been with him since the burning bush and had done everything He predicted. Exodus 4:21 And the Lord told Moses, “When you arrive back in Egypt, go to Pharaoh and perform all the miracles I have empowered you to do. But I will harden his heart so he will refuse to let the people go. 22 Then you will tell him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Israel is my firstborn son. 23 I commanded you, “Let my son go, so he can worship me.” But since you have refused, I will now kill your firstborn son!’ ” [4] Pharaoh’s firstborn son died during the tenth plague, which was the Passover.
They had come too far not to make it back to the mountain of the burning bush. Worshipping at the mountain was the reason Moses had given Pharaoh for leaving Egypt. Exodus 5:1 “Let my people go so they may hold a festival in my honor in the wilderness.” [5] God had proved Himself trustworthy, and Moses kept trusting Him.
Look for Signs Along the Way
In addition to all the miraculous plagues, including Israel’s protection during the Passover, God continued to show His presence. Exodus 13: 21 The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire.[6]
Moses had first experienced God in a burning bush. Now God demonstrated His presence with a huge pillar of fire. This was just another sign that Moses could trust God to do what He said He would do.When circumstances look bleak, remember what God has promised and look for signs of His working. This helps us overcome our fear. Instead, when we trust God, we can remain standing firm in the face of fear. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/trusting-god-in-the-transition
[1-6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.