“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)
Don’t be afraid? Stand Firm? Be Still? When you’re in a battle with the enemy running up behind you, these instructions seem ridiculous, even cruel. How could I not be afraid? Don’t you see the enemy coming at me, God? I Peter 5:8 tells us how the enemy “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” On the Discover Wildlife website I found a great set of instructions on how to react to a lion “seeking to devour you.” It amazed me at how easily the roaring “king of the jungle” can be shut down. I hope it helps you to see how you need to react to the enemy’s attacks:
Being charged by a lion when you are on foot is extremely frightening. It is difficult to stop yourself from bolting, but that is likely to prompt an attack. A lion charge is usually accompanied by a deep growling sound that reverberates through your very core. It is vital to stand your ground, perhaps retreating very slowly, but to continue facing the lion while clapping your hands, shouting and waving your arms around to make yourself look bigger. Most charges are mock charges, so you will usually be fine. Hold your ground. Never run or turn your back. (1)
There’s a reason why the Bible compares fighting with the devil to fighting with a lion! Do you get the spiritual implications to what is said above? In order to stop the enemy’s charge from turning into an attack, follow the directions from the website with a twist. Stop yourself from bolting, stand firm, and be still in God’s presence. Then, look the enemy square in the eye to show him you’re putting your trust in God, that you’re not afraid of his scare tactics. Clapping, shouting, and waving your arms around sounds like a great worship time to me! Worship your way to victory like they did around the walls of Jericho that came crumbling down! David’s enemy was loud and yelling threats of defeat. David ran at Goliath with his mouth open telling him that he was not afraid; how he trusted in God to save and how the victory was going to happen. Waving his arms in the air to sling a stone, David’s faith was released and David’s enemy was defeated! Remember; when it seems there is no way you can win, God will fight for you! So, be like the Hebrews crossing the Sea; don’t be afraid and walk right through to victory!
From, WATER IN THE DESERT by Sherry Stahl, page 78.
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