How He Fights When We Stand Still

“Just stand still!”

“Yushs heit schtill!” [just hold still] were words often used when Mama or our sister Katharine was marking a dress to be hemmed. One could not get an even hem if the subject rutshed while the dress-marker was in use. Yet, it was hard to stand still, especially when everyone else was outside enjoying the sandbox.

The dresses we wore were handmade by our mother or a sister. There was excitement at the prospect of the new dress. However, there were things that came before the dress was completed. Before we could wear the new dress to school or to church, some things had to happen. Often we’d be called in one by one to try on a dress before the sleeves were attached or when it was time to mark the hem.

We knew the outcome of the dress-making fittings, but it was hard to not be impatient when we had playmates waiting outside. It was hard to stand still when it seemingly took forever to get that hem properly marked.

When God asks us to stand still

Just so it is with life. In our hurriedness, our anxiety, or our impatience for God’s plan to unfold, we forget to stand still. The more we practice waiting, the easier it becomes. The more I wiggled in impatience while Mama marked the hem of my dress, the more frustrated I became. The task would have been completed sooner if I just stood still. When we are worried or afraid, we need to learn to stand still and watch God at work.

When the Children of Israel fled Egypt, they came to an impasse. The Red Sea was in front of them and Pharaoh’s army was behind them. Instead of looking to Moses, they complained.  

“You brought us out here just to die!” they wailed. 

Moses was not afraid. We ought not be afraid, either.  Instead, Moses told them to hush their fuss and stand still.

He said, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”

How to maintain standing still

I’m not an expert at standing still and I’m on a learning curve on this journey. Yet, over the years, I’ve learned to practice some things and perhaps they will help you.

• When panic sets in, turn your focus to God. Tell Him you are going to stand still and watch what He will do. Choose to sit back, turn off the “what ifs” playing in your mind and watch Him part the sea for you. He will.
• In your “I can’t do this again” posture, remember that He paid the price and the Victory is already yours. Speak that to Him and to yourself. Stand still and watch Him work. He will.
• When hurt and pain bring collapse, tell Him about that hurt and pain. Promise Him that you will sit still in this pain and watch Him bring healing to you. He will.
• When worry returns, renew your promise to stand still. Bask in the love your Father has for you and commit your care to the One who parts waters, closes the mouths of lions, and rips the curtain from top to bottom. Remember the Power of the past and relish the fact that this same Power is still available today. Remember that He fights for you. Let Him! 

I’d love to know what has helped you when you’ve faced Red Seas of your own!

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