Stand Firm, and See the Salvation of the LORD -- Exodus 14:13
These
words contain God's command to the believer when he is reduced to great straits
and brought into extraordinary difficulties. He cannot retreat; he cannot go
forward; he is shut up on the right hand and on the left; what is he now to do?
The Master's word to him is, "Stand firm."
It
will be well for him if at such times he listens only to his Master's word, for
other and evil advisers come with their suggestions. Despair whispers, "Lie down and die; give it all
up." But God would have us put on a cheerful courage and even in our worst
times rejoice in His love and faithfulness.
Cowardice says, "Retreat; go back to the worldling's way of action;
you cannot play the Christian's part---it is too difficult. Relinquish your
principles." But however much Satan may urge this course upon you, you
cannot follow it if you are a child of God. His divine decree has bid you go
from strength to strength, and so you shall, and neither death nor hell shall
turn you from your course. Even if you are called to stand firm for a while,
this is in order to renew your strength for some greater advance in due time.
Precipitancy cries, "Do something. Stir yourself; to
stand still and wait is sheer idleness." We must be doing something at once, we must do it, so
we think, instead of looking to the Lord, who will not only do something but
will do everything.
Presumption boasts, "If the sea is before you, march
into it and expect a miracle." But faith listens neither to presumption,
nor to despair, nor to cowardice, nor to precipitancy, but it hears God say,
"Stand firm," and immovable as a rock it stands. "Stand
firm"---keep the posture of an
upright man, ready for action, expecting further orders, cheerfully and
patiently awaiting the directing voice; and it will not be long before God
shall say to you, as distinctly as Moses said it to the people of Israel,
"Go forward."
Charles
Spurgeon – Morning July 24
Uploading ....