Morning, July 24

Charles Spurgeon · Morning and Evening: Daily Readings

"Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord."

  Exodus 14:13

   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
   Presumption, nor to Despair, nor to Cowardice, nor to Precipitancy, 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."