December 10 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Exodus 14:10–14

Devotional

These words contain God’s command to the believer when he is reduced to desperate straits and brought into extraordinary difficulties. He cannot retreat. He cannot go forward. He is hemmed in on the right and on the left. Now what is he to do? The Master’s word to him is, “Stand still.” At such times, it will be well for him if 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 world’s way of action; you cannot play the Christian’s part, it is too difficult. Forsake your principles.” But, however much Satan may urge this course on you, you cannot follow it if you are a child of God. God’s powerful Word has called you to go from strength to strength, and so you shall. Neither death nor hell will turn you from your course. So what if for a while you are called to stand still? This is only to renew your strength for some greater advance in due time.

Rashness 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 is before you, march right into it and expect a miracle.”

But faith listens neither to Presumption, nor to Despair, nor to Cowardice, nor to Rashness. Instead it hears God say, “Stand still,” and it stands still—immovable as a rock. “Stand still”—keep your posture erect, ready for action, expecting further orders, cheerfully and patiently waiting for the directing voice. And it will not be long before God will say to you, as distinctly as Moses said it to the people of Israel, “Go forward.”

[July 24]

Extracted from C. H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening (public domain), language modernized by Larry E. Wilson.