Saint Apollinaris, Bishop and Martyr (Optional Memorial)
Stand your ground, and you will see the victory the Lord will win for you today. (Exodus 14:13)
Don’t the Israelites seem awfully fickle in this passage? Here they are, overflowing with the riches they had just extracted from the Egyptians, freed from slavery, having witnessed ten awe-inspiring plagues, and their immediate response to danger is this: “Were there no burial places in Egypt that you had to bring us out here to die in the desert?” (Exodus 14:11). It seems almost comical!
Well, we might not fare much better if we were held up to the same scrutiny. When a sudden crisis rears its head, our first instinct is to worry and take action, not to sit still in peace and trust.
Fortunately, God is working in us in the same way he was working with the Israelites, proving to us that his love is strong, steady, and unchanging. He is showing us how constant he is and helping build our confidence in him.
As the Israelites demonstrate, it takes time to accept these truths fully. It’s a good thing that God is patient! Carefully, painstakingly, he will continue to work with us so that our trust and confidence in him grow.
As we become more confident in God, we’ll also find ourselves being set free from fear. After all, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). We’ll find the strength to give ourselves to other people in love. And we’ll become more trustworthy. All because we are rooted in our eternal, immortal, ever-loving, and ever-giving, Father! We know we belong to him, and we are convinced that no one can snatch us out of his hand (John 10:29).
How are you doing when it comes to trusting God? Do you struggle with the fear that he may let you down? Take a moment to picture yourself on the shores of the Red Sea. Imagine that the Egyptian army represents whatever threats you are facing. Now reread today’s passage—especially God’s word to Moses in Exodus 14:15-18. Let God show you that you don’t have to cry out to him. All you have to do is “go forward” in trust and confidence that your Father is by your side.
“Lord, I put my trust in you today. Help me to rely on you in every situation.”
(Psalm) Exodus 15:1-6
Matthew 12:38-42
Daily Marriage Tip for July 20, 2015:
Even though married couples share an intimate life together, sometimes talking directly about sex can feel awkward. Learning Natural Family Planning gives you language and a daily routine to prompt those sensitive discussions.