In the Face of Adversity

When confronted with fear, when feeling overwhelmed, or when tempted to just give up and give in, we are handed these words from God:

• Don’t fear.
• Stand firm.
• You will see.

These aren’t just buzzwords or empty catchphrases. They are stark instructions in the face of adversity that provides power and meaning. They come from a loving and caring God who sees the big picture.

When the Israelites found themselves in a time of great peril, panic quickly set in. That’s when Moses stepped up to offer this reminder:

“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)

Six hundred of Pharaoh’s best chariots were swiftly converging over the small hills guarding the Red Sea. The Israelites were just breaking camp when they looked up and saw this blitzkrieg descending upon them.

It’s amazing how fear can produce short memories of what God has already done for us. In an instant, the same Lord who had just brought the plagues to Egypt and miraculously delivered his people from the clutches of slavery was forgotten. Trust flew out the window like a startled sparrow at the first sign of danger. Panic gripped their hearts, and they needed a reminder.

Moses’s response to their panic still resonates with us today.

1. Do not be afraid

We confront fear by remembering God’s perfect track record of keeping promises. He always delivers by providing, protecting, and guiding us toward his divine will and purpose.

2. Stand firm

In the face of adversity, victory is assured. Our battles are the Lord’s battles, and we trust that he fights for us.

3. You will see

Adversity is often God’s way of giving us a front-row seat to experience his constant deliverance.

A miracle happened at the Red Sea that day. The Lord had the backs of the Israelite people, and Pharaoh’s army was swallowed up in a devastating defeat.

Notice, though, what Moses boils it all down to at the end of that verse. He offers two words for whenever we find ourselves staring down adversity:

Be still.

“The LORD will fight for you: you need only to be still.”

The Hebrew word for “still” means to cease striving. It means to trust that God is not only working in us, but He is also actively working in the situation or circumstance.

• Be still and know that he is God.
• Be still and turn your cares and concerns over to him.
• Be still, for the Lord has your back. He is fighting for you.
• Be still and “you will see” that our Lord always had this under control.

Be still in the face of adversity and remember that he is God.