"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."

Exodus 14:14

This verse compels me; it strictly interrupts my nature and calls me higher. Because there are too many times where my feet seem to be pulled from under me and my mind wired to involve stress.

1. It tells me "You're not alone."

It shares with me the essence of my Lord being over me and watchful towards me. That in my darkest hour or just when I am overwhelmed, there is someone who understands. Someone who sits with me and doesn't want to harm me or require too much of me, but in fact encourages and uplifts me. (Isaiah 41;10)

2. It tells me "God is a good fighter and will willingly take your place in the circumstance."

It speaks of the nature of our God and how He has stepped into ours and will do it again to fight for us, to battle the challenge/challenger that has taken on our being. That I can rest in the Victorious One who wins every battle. (Isaiah 6:1)

3. It tells me "You are capable of finding tranquility."

In all of the spaces of confusion, stress, maintenance, and structure it is not impossible for us to be still, to quiet our minds of the pounding thoughts. As impossible as it may seem, we serve the God of the impossible (Luke 18:27).

The entirety of this one potent verse reminds me of the purpose of everything we go through. And our purpose is no other than to grow closer to God in depth of relationship.

This verse sets us up for just that. In order for us to be still, in order for us to let God fight for us, we must draw near to God and yes, He will draw near to you." (James 4:8)

It all comes down to drawing nearer. In the affliction or in the rain, drawing near to Him is the one thing that conquers it all. For when He fights, He cannot fail.

Nearer and nearer and nearer, let us not stop drawing nearer, for progression is found within persistence.