How much do we trust God in adversity? I guess it all depends. Moses’ people trusted God when given the chance to flee slavery in Egypt, but then, when Pharaoh changed his mind and sent his whole army after them, they doubted God.
Their fear and frustration were vented upon Moses as they sarcastically asked, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt…it’s far better to be slaves of the Egyptians than to die in the desert.”
Two points came to mind. The first was, do we ever find ourselves making the calculations that the Jewish people did when faced with impending loss? Do we rationalize and settle for something wrong to keep afloat or not to upset the apple cart of life and family?
What We're Willing to Do
I think the answer is for most, “yes” in some way or fashion.
The second thing that came to mind is how much we trust God when we fear loss, whether it be about life, family, friends, or other areas like work or school.
Thankfully, the Israelites had Moses, who told them what they needed to hear when faced with adversity: “Fear not! Stand your ground…and you will see the victory the Lord will win for you today.”
“The Lord himself will fight for you, you only have to keep still.” That last part, “…you only have to keep still…” struck me. Of course, we’re drawn to the Lord fighting for us, but what does it mean to “keep still?”
Keeping Still
First, I believe it means not running from God or blocking Him out when things don’t seem possible with Him and His teachings. Second, it can mean calming our hearts and minds, not feeling the need to get too worked up, and not repeating our fears.
Keeping still, though, didn’t mean physically being static, for the Lord directed Moses to “…tell the children of Israel to go forward…” Moses, directed by the Lord, instructed them and followed God’s instruction to raise his staff with outstretched hand to part the sea to provide safe passage.
Whatever you or your family is facing today, God’s message is the same as it was to the children of Israel: do not fear, keep still, and move forward through this day. How much we have trusted God in adversity is directly related to our listening to Him tell us that He is with us and will fight for us so that we can keep moving with our families and other loved ones. Through this journey, one day, please God to heaven.
- Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday–Friday. Consider inviting others to join, too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
