Exodus 14:13-14, "...Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. 14 The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace."

In the course of living life we come face to face with how we are going to live our Christian life, in fear or by faith. The children of Israel had been led out of Egypt by God through His powerful destruction of the first born in Egypt, providing safety to the Israelite’s through the blood of the Passover lamb. Now in their time of journeying away from bondage to the Promised Land they encountered the pursuit of the enemy, the Egyptians. The people responded in fear and doubt, their eyes and their hearts told them they were about to die. Pharaoh and his army was in hot pursuit, God, however, had another plan for them, which would require faith. Faith in God and His Word is the way we must live our Christian lives. Faith will allow us to triumph in difficult moments, while fear will bring defeat. God spoke powerfully and clearly to the people, using Moses as His spokesman, "...Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will shew to you to day...the Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace."

Most people exercise their five senses along with their intellect to navigate through life, but God's plan for the Christian is different. Paul stated the method by which the Christian lives his life in 2 Corinthians 5:7, "For we walk by faith, not by sight." In Proverbs 3:5-7 we are told, "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil." Often, when God gives a "faith" command He also gives a "fear not" command. Satan wants to stop us with fear, God wants to grow and advance us by faith. Sixty-three times you will find the Bible saying "fear not." Let's live by faith and not by sight.

The children of Israel saw God's great salvation by opening the Red Sea, and destroying the enemy.

Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

1. Why is fear a reality in our lives? What does fear indicate?

2. What is the result of faith in God?

3. Can God fail you? If so, when did He do so?

4. Do you exercise faith on a daily basis? If so, what is the result?

Fear or Faith?