God is so cool! At the ripe old age of 77 I am still discovering that the truth of “His Ways” are different than my natural ways (Isaah 55:8). I have a natural tendency to speak out…step out and do before asking or thinking. This week one of my dear buddies in Bible Study Fellowship reflected a mirror image of my “Doing” strategy from years ago. He loves the Lord, has a family, is active in church, works, friends and family and is stressed out. The second time I asked him, “How are you doing?” he said, “Robert, I did the wrong lesson…I don’t seem to have time anymore. I’ve gotta…” What followed was a wonderful list of things he is passionate about…things he feels called to do. But he had come to the realization “he” could not do it all. He was numb with exhaustion.

That’s a “Red Sea” Lab experience in God School. It’s knowing we are facing the impossible. We find our formula in Exodus 14. But let’s look at the problem. God sets the stage in Exodus 7-14. God redeemed His people out of bondage in Egypt and guided them to the Red Sea. There with their (Israelites) backs against the Sea, with nowhere to go, defenseless against the approaching mighty Egyptian army they did what we naturally do…they freaked out. Think about this. They had witnessed Moses stand before Pharaoh as God displayed His Mighty Power through Aaron’s staff becoming a snake that devoured Pharoh’s snakes. Then they witnessed how God change water to blood, the plagues of frogs, gnats, flies, disease of livestock, boils, hail, locust, darkness and the final plague of the Angel of Death “Passing Over” those who had the “Blood of the Lamb” over their doorway (Exodus 7-12). They had seen God’s Wrath and had been spared, yet they responded with, “It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!” Exodus 14:12.

Ponder the words God gave Moses, “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.”

God’s Formula:

• The first instruction is “Do not be afraid.” It’s an order God gives throughout the Bible. It’s about Trust.
• The second instruction is “Stand Firm.” It is living out our Trust in Him. It’s the No-Matter-What response to life.
• Then comes the hard part, “you need only to be still.” BAM, the “only” part speaks volumes. In other words, God does not need my hands on anything. He’s got this.

When we get “still,” His Word will whisper to our heart. I gave my friend one of David’s lessons from Psalm 25:4,5 to pray over in his stillness. “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. 5 Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” Ps 25:4,5.

Only Jesus can calm the winds of a busy life. Just as He did in Mark 4:39, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.”