Peace Pt. 1

Exodus 14:5-14

For four hundred and thirty years the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt. For four hundred and thirty years they asked God to deliver them. From the beginning God had a plan. God knew that there would be a baby born to a Levite woman named Jochebed, who would be protected against Pharaoh's wrath and would grow to be used by God as the deliverer for his people. Of course the people could have hope, but not knowing the exact plan of their future freedom and when it would happen I’m sure brought torment to their hearts.

It is scary not knowing God’s plan and yet He gives us His peace. God’s peace is unlike anything that can give us peace in this world. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). Jesus shares this with His disciples when He is leaving them. Hearing Jesus talk about leaving them likely had them feeling similar to the Israelites as they saw Pharaoh and his army running after them just when they thought they were free. Yet Jesus tells us not to be troubled or afraid. Part of receiving God’s peace is trusting that He is with us always and has gone before us. 

The Egyptians thought they would be killed by the sea, but God had a plan to deliver them by splitting the sea. The disciples thought it would be better to have Jesus in the flesh with them, but God knew that through the power of the Holy Spirit He could use them for much greater things. Through believing that God will keep His promises, we can have peace unlike the world gives us. God’s promises may not always look the way we hope for, but we can have peace that He is over all things and can work all things for His good (Romans 8:28). 

By giving up control, we can have peace knowing God has control. As the Israelites cried out to God in fear and accused Moses of bringing them to their death, Moses said, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14). Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth!” 

Practice being still with God. Ask Him for the peace that He offers. Reflect in silence of the promise He gives to us through Jesus. Be still and believe that He will fight for you. Be still and believe that He is the Almighty and everlasting King of this life.