Have you ever felt like the ground is moving away under your feet, or you are just falling into darkness? I have had those moments in my life when I was losing a sense of reality, and felt as if it would be better for me not to exist at all, but … we are still alive and аre in physical reality. Tragedies and hardships happen, but in the midst of those Dark Nights, there is HOPE and there is an ANCHOR.
While Reading the Book of Exodus, I landed on the story of Israelites fleeing Egypt. The exodus was planned by God. The Israelites went through many troubles, but finally, they were on their way to freedom. God Himself was walking before them. He was leading the way, and then they were surrounded: the sea in front of them, the army of the Egyptians behind them. God was still there, standing in between the Israelites and the army, but the Israelites did not see Him.
Just imagine yourself in this story: desert, huge crowd, little kids, older people, cattle, tents, wagons, unpacking for the night, packing again in the morning, not knowing where you are going. It is only three days into the journey, and now, suddenly, your camp is surrounded. Fear and uncertainty grip your heart. Why Lord? Was this Your plan from the beginning? Why so many trials? How long will it last? What should we do, and who will be responsible for this? There is panic, chaos, and so much confusion in the camp.
What if you would be in the place of Moses? Thousands of people are following you. You are led by the Word received from God, but now you are surrounded by the enemy, and some of your very own people are ready to stone you. Scary? O, Yes!
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.”
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on.
Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.
Exodus 14:13-16
Stand firm, be still… Move forward.
When I was thinking about it, I saw a picture of the enemy, myself, and Jesus. I was in the middle. I was fighting the enemy, and I was losing. That battle was too big for me, but not for Jesus. Then, I saw myself turning to Jesus. Jesus was calling me to be still and move on, to look at Him, the Perfecter of my faith. I knew that the battle was not mine to fight. It was His battle.
What is the Lord telling us?
1 – “DO NOT BE AFRAID”. Let the Presence of God cast out all the fear.
2 – “STAND FIRM”. If God said He will deliver, HE WILL! We must stand firm on all the promises of God, trusting His Word.
3 – “BE STILL”. Quiet yourself, do not be anxious about anything, have peace that transcends all understanding, stop striving, stop fighting the battles you know you can’t win in your own strength.
God knows which battles we will need to fight, and even then, we should remember that our fight is not against flesh and blood. (Ephesians 6:12)
Maybe you are crying out your heart in desperation, or maybe there are no more tears left – Moses also cried. Look up, God is calling us not to give up but to MOVE ON.
4 – “MOVE ON”. Rise up, turn your back to the enemy, and face Jesus. From the place of The Dark Night start speaking LIFE, move closer to God, start proclaiming His promises, look into the eyes of Jesus, get your revelation, and let Him battle on your behalf. Victory belongs to Jesus.
“Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.”
Exodus 14:16
The staff was a walking stick and a weapon. Moses raised the staff, and the sea split so the Israelites could walk on dry land. It is similar to raising our hands in worship.
A lot of battles are won through the proclamation of the Word of God and worship. Our praise and worship, the Words of Life on our lips can make a way where there is no way. And it is not us, but GOD who opens the way. We just need to be still, step out in faith and move on. Move towards Him, the One who is Our Hope, Our Anchor, and Our Way-maker.
