Spurgeon: July AM
* 07/24/AM
"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."