Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 4 - Wednesday
Reading: Exodus 14:13–14, 25
“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 (NIV)
When the Israelites stood trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army, panic filled their hearts. Their fear gave birth to murmuring — complaints against Moses and against God. Yet God’s original and ideal plan was never for His people to fight their battles with swords or spears. His plan was for them to trust Him completely. “The Lord will fight for you,” Moses declared. Israel’s deliverance would come not by human strength, but by divine power.
Exodus 14:25 shows how God Himself confused and crippled the Egyptian army. The people did not lift a hand; their role was to watch God’s salvation unfold. This theme runs throughout Scripture. In 2 Chronicles 20:15, the Lord says to King Jehoshaphat, “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” In Deuteronomy 1:30, Moses reminds the people, “The Lord your God, who goes before you, will himself fight for you.” And in Psalm 46:10, we are told, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
God’s ideal has always been for His children to live in dependence on Him rather than in self-reliance. When Israel trusted in His strength, victory came easily; when they murmured and doubted, defeat and delay followed. Murmuring is not just complaining — it is faith eroding from the heart. It blinds us to God’s past faithfulness and fills us with fear of the future. Like Israel at the Red Sea, we often murmur when we cannot see the way ahead. But God invites us to stand still and watch Him make a way where there seems to be none.
Today, our “battles” may not be physical wars but emotional, spiritual, or relational struggles. Yet the same promise stands: the Lord will fight for you. When you face the impossible, resist the urge to complain or despair. Instead, choose faith over fear, prayer over murmuring, and watch God work on your behalf.
Reflection Questions
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What “Red Sea” situation in your life requires you to be still and trust God today?
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How can you replace murmuring with prayer or praise?
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being our Defender and Deliverer. Forgive us for the times we have murmured instead of trusting You. Teach us to stand still and watch You fight for us. Strengthen our faith when fear rises, and remind us that You are greater than any enemy or obstacle we face. Help us to live in quiet confidence, knowing that the battle is Yours and the victory is sure.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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