Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. Exodus 14:13a
“These words contain God’s command to the believer when he is reduced to great straits and brought into extraordinary difficulties. He cannot retreat; he cannot go forward; he is shut up on the right hand and on the left; what is he now to do? The Master’s word to him is, “Stand still.” It will be well for him if at such times he listens only to his Master’s word, for other and evil advisers come with their suggestions.
Despair whispers, “Lie down and die; give it all up.” But God would have us put on a cheerful courage, and even in our worst times, rejoice in his love and faithfulness.
Cowardice says, “Retreat; go back to the worldling’s way of action; you cannot play the Christian’s part, it is too difficult. Relinquish your principles.” But, however much Satan may urge this course upon you, you cannot follow it if you are a child of God. His divine fiat has bid thee go from strength to strength, and so thou shalt, and neither death nor hell shall turn thee from thy course. What, if for a while thou art called to stand still, yet this is but to renew thy strength for some greater advance in due time.
Precipitancy cries, “do something. Stir yourself; to stand still and wait, is sheer idleness.” We must be doing something at once—we must do it so we think—instead of looking to the Lord, who will not only do something but will do everything.
Presumption boasts, “If the sea be before you, march into it and expect a miracle.”
But Faith listens neither to Despair, nor to Cowardice, nor to Precipitancy, nor to Presumption, but it hears God say, “Stand still,” and immovable as a rock it stands. “Stand still;” keep the posture of an upright man, ready for action, expecting further orders, cheerfully and patiently awaiting the directing voice; and it will not be long ere God shall say to you, as distinctly as Moses said it to the people of Israel, “Go forward.”
Charles Haddon Spurgeon in Morning and Evening: Daily Readings (Albany, Oregon: Sage Software, 1996) morning reading for for 24 July.
As we endure “extraordinary difficulties” and hard times, will we in response listen to Despair, Cowardice, Precipitancy, or Presumption? Or in Faith will we stand still with the confidence of Moses that God will show up and that we will experience His deliverance.
How does this relate to generosity?
Our posture of cheerfully and patiently awaiting for God to show up gives those around us a gift that is worth more than money. It gives hope and that is priceless. In a year when our word is ‘remember’ let us remind those around us who is in control by standing still.
Lord, as we stand still, show up in a powerful way, and for your namesake, lead and guide us. Amen.