Allowing God to Move... What if You Did (Part 2)

PART II

Why is it so hard to be still… maybe to be still and pray? 

By simply arranging themselves around the camp, blowing horns, shouting, and holding torches, 300 men overcame 135,000! These men followed the Lord's instructions precisely. They blew horns, shouted, and held torches, but they remained stationary. How many battles have we each lost because we don't stand still and allow God to act? Let's examine a few verses about "standing still."

Exodus 14:14 speaks about being still. It says, “The Lord will fight for you: you need only to be still.” This verse was spoken after the Israelites left Egypt, they were trapped between the Red Sea and the approaching Egyptians. They had just cried out to the Lord complaining, “It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert.” Moses urged them not to be afraid, to be still/ to be quiet and stop complaining and move as an entire nation as they walked through the Red Sea. 

Psalm 4:4 is an evening prayer by David during a stressful situation. Just like us, David experienced a time at night which no doubt seemed to magnify his problems but also allowed a time to reflect. The verse says, “Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds and be silent. Selah.” What does this verse urge us to do? What is a temptation or struggle that you are dealing with right now? Perhaps spending time in your quite place in silence seeking God may give clarity. 

The invitation here is to pause, be silent, and reflect on our hearts before God. Take a moment now, pray, and ask God to address this issue with you, then remain quiet, allowing God time to communicate with you. Judges 7:15 notes that before the battle commenced, Gideon worshiped the Lord. Play your praise music and worship the Lord, for the victory is already His! Rest in Him and trust that God will handle your battles. 

Psalm 37:7 says, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!" There are many other verses about “being still” and I urge you to do a search to read through them. I want to end this section with one last verse about “being still” that was given to Ruth as she waited on Boaz. Ruth had followed Naomi’s instructions to ask Boaz to fulfill his obligation as kinsman-redeemer to her. Her entire future hinged on his response. Naomi told Ruth to “be still.” To wait patiently. Ruth 3:18 says, “She replied, “Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest, but will settle the matter today.”

How often have you and I done all that we could only to be required to sit back and wait patiently for God to work? When we finally give in and be still before the Lord, He is able to fulfill His promises to us. 

Let’s talk “what if” for a moment: 

• What if Gideon and his army decided that as they saw the battle below that they would charge forward to fight the battle? The chaos that God created as a perfect plan would have been ruined.

• What if Gideon had decided against taking his friend, Purah, down with him for reassurance when Gideon was afraid and God instructed him to go? Gideon wouldn’t have experienced security and worship in God as seen in verse 15. 

• What if God wanted to use us (and our weakness) for His success? 

• What if we were more afraid of missing God’s blessings than failing? 

• What if you stood still for just a bit and allowed God to call you to high places that you could never imagine.

  
  

Moses proclaimed blessings that the children of Israel would receive if they were obedient to God in Deuteronomy 28. He also promised curses for disobedience in not obeying God’s commands in that same chapter. I encourage you to read through Deuteronomy 27:9-29:9. It is a long but rewarding passage. 

Just like Moses, Gideon was blessed and saw victory because he went from fear to faith! He obeyed God’s commands. 

My sweet sister, you are on this earth because God has a purpose for you! He has given you commands and wants to give you more if you will only ask. 

• Your call may be standing at our church door saying “hello” to those who enter.

  • God has a call for you, seeds to sow.

• Your call may be upstairs working with the children.

  • God has a call for you, seeds to sow.

• You may be hiding a beautiful voice or ability to play an instrument.

  • God has a call for you, seeds to sow.

• You may have a wonderful ability to organize an area of our church. 

  • God has a call for you, seeds to grow.

• You may have a neighbor needing Jesus that only you can minister to.

  • God has a call for you, seeds to sow and grow.

    
    

I could go on and on - the calling of God is limitless when we allow Him to first weaken us to realize that we can only accomplish His plan through His strength and then step out with great faith as He patiently deals with us to be the ambassador that He has put us here to be. One thing I know for sure is that God has you exactly where you are at this exact time for a reason. Don’t miss blessings Christ has for you. Look for seeds to sow and grow…LIVE SENT!

Ponder these verses and thoughts:

Romans 8:31; Romans 8:6 

What if I stopped letting fear dictate my decisions? 

What if I stood still and waited on God to fight my battles? 

What if I allowed God to complete the dream that He is placing in my heart to accomplish for Him. 

Ask God for the strength to listen to His calling on your life, for strength to be selfless, and allow Him to fight your battles. To help you sow and sew, water, and harvest seeds for Him.

~Go Sew Seeds

~Live Sent