Cheerfully and Patiently Awaiting...

"Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord." -- Exodus 14:13

These words contain God’s command to the believer when he is reduced to
great straits and brought into extraordinary difficulties. He cannot
retreat; he cannot go forward; he is shut up on the right hand and on the
left; what is he now to do? The Master’s word to him is, "Stand still." It
will be well for him if at such times 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 worldling’s way of action; you
cannot play the Christian’s part, it is too difficult. Relinquish your
principles." But, however much Satan may urge this course upon you, you
cannot follow it if you are a child of God. His divine fiat has bid thee go
from strength to strength, and so thou shalt, and neither death nor hell
shall turn thee from thy course. What, if for a while thou art called to
stand still, yet this is but to renew thy strength for some greater advance
in due time. Precipitancy 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 be
before you, march into it and expect a miracle." But Faith listens neither
to Presumption, nor to Despair, nor to Cowardice, nor to Precipitancy, but
it hears God say, "Stand still," and immovable as a rock it stands. "Stand
still;"--keep the posture of an upright man, ready for action, expecting
further orders, cheerfully and patiently awaiting the directing voice; and
it will not be long ere God shall say to you, as distinctly as Moses said
it to the people of Israel, "Go forward."