Monday, June 29
As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the Lord, and they said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? Didn’t we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, ‘Leave us alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!’”
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.
The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
Exodus 14:10-14
The Lord had overcome the resolve of Pharaoh’s will through the plagues. The Lord had protected His people through the
Passover meal.
The Lord was leading His people from slavery to the promised land. But when a
problem arose
, the people fixated on their predicament and not on the Lord. When they focused on the dilemma and saw no solution, they became afraid and angry. The result was an attitude of blame and complaint. God’s response to Israel’s anxiety was an invitation to trust Him. “The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
The people in our region (Harris County, Houston, Texas) received the news on Friday that, due to the increased intensity of the coronavirus, it is prudent that daily activities be modified. This current problem can lead to all sorts of reactions. One of those emotional responses is disappointment. There was an expectation that the situation would improve. It is disheartening to “take a step back.”
When disappointments arise, it is good for God’s people to refocus on God. It is good for followers of Christ to redirect their attention to the Lord who has and will overcome. Like the people of Israel, it is good for believers to stand still and trust.
Prayer: Lord God, thank you for so many examples in the Bible where your people learned to trust you. Help me today to learn new aspects of trust. Please bring help and hope to those who are ill because of this virus. Please provide a spirit of love and compassion for all people throughout the world. Lord Jesus, I praise you that though your death and resurrection you have brought eternal hope to this world. Please fill me with that hope as I follow you today. Amen.
