God's Timing #3 - Standing Firm in the Faith

Understanding God’s timing is all about growing up in the Lord. There are times when some things should never be done, while other things must always be done. At certain times a particular action is the only proper course to take while at other times even good things are inappropriate to do because God clearly says, “not now!” Understanding God in uncertain times can help us to avoid painful pitfalls and guide us into His perfect will.

We continue this week looking at God’s timing as we study the Israelite's deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Last week we looked at God saying, “Never be afraid.” Now let’s turn to what Moses conveys to the people in Exodus 14:13 when He says, “Stand firm and you will see the deliverance of the Lord.” This is an always statement. God’s people must always stand firm in their faith no matter what happens around them. Faith should be the center of all that we are in our relationship with God. It should characterize our daily walk with Christ. Faith should be the stabilizing factor in our life. The Apostle Paul wrote these words to the believers in Corinth that still apply today when he said, “Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13). Sounds like a pep talk an Upward basketball coach would give his players before going out for the second half of the game. It is not a suggestion but a must.

When the Israelites were pinned between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army, God said, “Stand firm in the faith.” As the chariots were approaching at light speed (at least that is what it looked like), God wanted them to trust in their deliverer. The “always” word from God is written for our encouragement in today's uncertain economic times. If you are not sure about standing firm in the faith, then let me remind you of the alternative found in Isaiah 7:9, “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.” Look at the warning in Scripture:

³⁵ So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.

³⁶ You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.

³⁷ For, “In just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay.”

³⁸ “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.”

³⁹ But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.                         

Hebrews 10:35-39

No matter what the circumstance or whether it is big or small, we must not shrink back but continue to seek the face of God and have strong faith.

Let me encourage you today to ask for more faith for you can never have too much of that necessity of life.

Joy in Jesus!

Pastor Mike