“Stand Still and See the Salvation of the Lord”
Text: Exodus 14:13–31
Introduction
Have you ever felt completely trapped—cornered by fear, circumstance, or the unknown? The Israelites, newly freed from Egyptian slavery, felt exactly that. Behind them was Pharaoh’s army, armed and enraged. Before them, the Red Sea—wide, deep, impassable. And in that moment of panic, their faith crumbled. But God’s power didn’t.
Let’s reflect today on what God did for Israel despite their fear, and what that means for us when we face our own “Red Sea” moments.
God Acts Even When We Doubt
Exodus 14:13–14 (NKJV): “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today... The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”
The Israelites cried out in fear and accused Moses of bringing them to die in the wilderness. After all they had seen—plagues, deliverance, the pillar of cloud and fire—they still couldn’t trust fully. But God didn’t wait for perfect faith. He acted.
Application:
God doesn’t require perfect faith to show up. He meets us where we are—in our fear, our confusion, even our complaints. He knows our frailty and still moves in mercy. Romans 5:8 reminds us, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
God Makes a Way Where There Is No Way
In verses 21–22, the impossible happens: the sea parts, and Israel walks through on dry ground. The same water that became their salvation became the destruction of their enemies.
Application:
We often look at obstacles and only see what can’t happen. But God works in ways we can’t see or imagine. Isaiah 43:19 says, “Behold, I will do a new thing... I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
God may not always part a literal sea, but He still removes barriers, rearranges outcomes, and protects us in ways we’ll only understand in hindsight. He works in the background, preparing victories we don’t yet see.
We Must Learn to Trust God's Timing and Presence
Israel wanted immediate escape. God gave deliverance—but in His way, at His pace, and for His glory. In verse 19, we see the angel of God and the pillar of cloud move behind Israel, standing between them and Egypt—God was shielding them even before the miracle happened.
Application:
We may not feel like God is doing anything, but that doesn’t mean He’s absent. He may be placing divine protection between you and danger right now. Psalm 121:4 assures us that “He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.”
To grow in trust, we must:
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Reflect on past victories God has given us.
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Soak in His promises—like Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
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Surround ourselves with reminders of His faithfulness—through Scripture, testimony, and worship.
Let the Red Sea Moments Strengthen, Not Shake, Our Faith
Verse 31 tells us, “Israel saw the great work which the Lord had done... so the people feared the Lord, and believed in the Lord and in His servant Moses.”
God used the Red Sea not only to save them—but to build their trust.
But here's the challenge: This faith didn’t always last. Later, they would complain again, doubt again, and even long to return to Egypt. Why? Because they forgot.
Application:
Don’t forget what God has done. Write it down. Tell it to your children. Build your life on His faithfulness. Don’t let today’s fear erase yesterday’s miracle.
Learning to Stand Still and Trust
You might be facing your own “Red Sea” today. Maybe fear is pressing from behind and doubt is blocking the way ahead. But listen again to God’s word through Moses:
“Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.”
God is still the same—merciful, powerful, and present. Trust that He is working behind the scenes. He is not late. He is never overwhelmed. And just like the Israelites walked through walls of water on dry ground, He will make a way for you.
Final Charge:
Let’s not be like the Israelites who quickly forgot. Let us remember, trust, and praise—even before the sea parts. Amen.
I'm so thankful for the study it opens new thoughts and understanding. May God anoint you with his power and spirit.
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