Faithful in Stillness

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. – (Exodus 14:14, NIV)

You will not have to do anything but stay calm. The Lord will do the fighting for you. – (Exodus 14:14, ERV)

The Eternal will fight on your behalf while you watch in silence. – (Exodus 14:14, VOICE)

 

The fourteenth chapter of Exodus takes us back to the account of when Pharaoh had at long last released the Israelites from captivity, and they had begun their trek in the desert. God led them on a path that made Pharaoh believe that the Israelites were wandering around in confusion, and his heart grew hard as he determined to send out his army and retrieve the people who had served him for so long. As the Israelites began to catch sight of the Egyptian army moving their direction, they became fearful and started to question everything. Moses responded with verse fourteen, and the events that followed were: the safe passage of the Israelites on dry land between the walls of water of the Red Sea, the Egyptian army marching into the middle of the parted sea, chariot wheels breaking, chaos and confusion, followed by the walls of water crashing over the entire Egyptian army, leading to their ultimate demise. God had fought for the Israelites, just as He said He would do. Their part was to walk forward where He was leading, and to choose to trust. Often, God calls us to the same today. Our portion is to be still, be silent, and trust Him to fight on our behalf. As we listen and trust, He shows us what our “next steps” are to be, and is faithful to go before and behind us, as we move boldly in faith. May faith rise up within us to trust the Lord, as He fights for us faithfully.

 

It has been way too long since I have updated about Mom, but much of life has continued as the status quo. She is participating in physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, all as outpatient during the week. Mom continues to work tirelessly, yet we all wish she could partake in each therapy daily. Yesterday, my nephew had a big lacrosse tryout in Portland, and mom was going to go along to watch and cheer him on. Any time that mom returns to the stands to watch and cheer on grand-kids, is a very positive step forward in recovery. We know she is very much missing her community at home in Wenatchee, and are praying hard as to how to best love and support her as she continues to heal. If you are the praying sort, please pray with us that we would be still and listen as He fights for her and shows us all how to navigate each step of this journey.

 

The Lord is faithful,

Let us choose be still;

Trust in the silence,

What He says, He will.

God meets us with grace,

His goodness and love;

As we wait on Him,

Our hope from above.

Whatever the fight,

God’s presence will be;

Before and behind,

Moving faithfully.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are for us and not against us. Thank You that so often when we have obstacles or battles before us, You simply call us to be still and trust in You; for You fight and move on our behalf. Forgive us for our fearfulness that struggles to trust. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would listen to Your still small voice within, as You lead us in the direction that we need to go. Show us how to love those around us best, so that all may know Your goodness and faithfulness that is for all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You and choose be still when You call us to wait on You; for Your way is always best. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

He says, “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10

Instruction and Protection to the Seeking

The Lord is a friend to those who fear Him. He teaches them His covenant. My eyes are always on the Lord, for He rescues me from the traps of my enemies. – (Psalm 25:14-15, NLT)

God-friendship is for God-worshipers; they are the ones He confides in. If I keep my eyes on God, I won’t trip over my own feet. – (Psalm 25:14-15, The Message)

God is faithful to instruct and protect those who earnestly seek Him. He is our Father and friend, and will teach us which way to walk, so that we will not stumble nor be snagged in the enemy’s snare. We are to fix our eyes on Him with reverence and awe, as He rescues us from that which comes against us. May we ever look to the Lord, who makes our path plain and keeps us in the shadow of His wings.

When we fear the Lord,

the Lord is our friend;

He’ll teach us His ways,

His help will not end.

He rescues from foe,

the snares that are set;

show us where to walk,

say, “Go”, and “Not yet.”

For all who choose seek,

with faith in the Lord;

He reveals the truth,

and calls us adored.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are a friend to those who fear and revere You. Thank You that You teach us Your truth. Thank You that as we fix our eyes on You, You rescue us from the traps that are set before us, and lead us to safe passage. Forgive us for not seeking You and Your counsel in truth and how we are meant to go. Teach us to trust You enough to seek You first in all things and at all times. Lead us to love others in the same way that You so generously and graciously love each of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You with reverence, and obey Your counsel. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

The joy of the Lord is your strength. – Nehemiah 8:10

Memories of the Miraculous

Miraculous event –

image by Nate Gwm

through the Jordan they crossed.

As priests  took the first step,

not a soul to be lost.

For as faithful footing,

made way upon the ground,

flood waters retreated,

and safe passage was found.

Plethora of people,

made way to other side.

God’s favor upon them,

it could not be denied.

Now ready to enter,

awaited promise land;

God said stop and construct

a marker of this plan.

A large stone for each tribe,

to stack up and recall.

To tell of His favor,

to share with one and all.

All people of the earth,

might know His mighty hand.

Protector of His own,

against Him, none can stand.

(Responding to Joshua 3 and 4)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your miracles do not end, and that You are still the same mighty God today, that You were back then.  Forgive us for not stopping on the other side of our own “Jordan” long enough to slow down and recognize in awe, the incredible that You have just accomplished before us.  Help us to make time to remember, to really recognize all of the miraculous movement that You have made in our lives and in the lives of those around us.  May we find ways to have our own sort of “markers” so that we might share of all that You have done for us with our children and all those who need to know of the great hope that is found in You.  May we magnify Your Mighty Name as we remember.  Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present