How Do You Know When God Talks To You - (Ways To Know For Sure)The Scripture For Today Comes From Exodus 14:12-14
12 Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.13 And Moses said unto the people, 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.
Trusting God in the Face of Fear
Exodus 14:12-14 captures a critical moment in God’s plan for His people: the crossing of the Red Sea. The Israelites, terrified at the sight of the pursuing Egyptians, questioned God’s plan. Their fear reflected a natural response to uncertainty, yet it also demonstrated a lack of trust in the Lord Jesus.
Moses’ response reveals three key principles: standing firm, trusting God’s salvation, and recognizing that God fights on our behalf. The Hebrew word yare (fear) describes both reverence and dread, while shalom conveys peace and completeness that comes from trusting God. This passage shows that God’s plan unfolds most powerfully when His people respond in faith, not fear.
1. Fear Is a Natural Response, Not a Limitation
The Israelites’ question—“Wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us?”—demonstrates a normal human response to danger. Fear is natural, but unchecked fear can hinder God’s plan.
Application for today:
Acknowledge any fears you have today. Write them down and present them to the Lord Jesus in prayer. Recognizing fear allows you to release it and embrace trust in God’s plan.
2. Stand Still and See God’s Salvation
Moses instructed the people: “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD.” Standing still requires faith and patience. It’s not passive inactivity but active trust and obedience in God’s timing.
Application for today:
In situations where you feel overwhelmed, pause and focus on God’s promises. Declare: “Lord Jesus, I will stand firm and trust Your salvation today.” Allow His plan to unfold without trying to force outcomes.
3. God Fights for You
Verse 14 emphasizes: “The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” The Lord Jesus is not passive—He actively intervenes on behalf of His people. Our role is to remain faithful, watch, and trust His power.
Application for today:
Release control of a difficult situation to God. Instead of striving in your own strength, speak: “Lord Jesus, I trust You to fight this battle on my behalf.” Observe His intervention in the natural and spiritual realms.
4. Faith Over Fear
The Israelites could not see the final outcome, yet faith requires trusting God’s plan even when the path is unclear. The Hebrew word emunah (faithfulness, steadfastness) is essential here. Faith doesn’t remove fear, but it enables us to act obediently despite it.
Application for today:
Identify an area where fear has paralyzed action. Take a small step in faith, trusting that the Lord Jesus is orchestrating the situation for your deliverance.
5. The Promise of Complete Deliverance
Moses reassures them: “Ye shall see them again no more for ever.” God’s plan guarantees deliverance from oppression and obstacles. When we trust Him, we can step into freedom and victory.
Application for today:
Meditate on God’s promises of deliverance. Write one personal declaration of freedom or victory today, and speak it aloud. Trust that God’s plan is unfolding perfectly, even when unseen.
Historical Scholarly Support on Exodus 14:12-14
| Scholar + Dates + University/Institution | Key Hebrew Word | Emphasis | Summary of View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rashi (1040–1105, Troyes Yeshiva, France) | yare | Fear and trust | Fear must be met with faith in God’s deliverance. |
| Ibn Ezra (1089–1167, University of Toledo, Spain) | shalom | Peace through trust | God provides completeness and protection when we rely on Him. |
| Matthew Henry (1662–1714, University of Oxford, England) | emunah | Faith and steadfastness | Faith in God ensures deliverance and guides obedience. |
| John Gill (1697–1771, University of Cambridge, England) | yare | Overcoming fear | Fear is natural but must be surrendered to God’s power. |
| John Owen (1616–1683, University of Oxford, England) | shalom | Peace in God’s intervention | Trusting God’s plan allows calmness amid trials. |
| Augustine of Hippo (354–430, University of Hippo, North Africa) | emunah | Steadfast faith | Faith enables obedience even in uncertain situations. |
| Richard Sibbes (1577–1635, St. John’s College, University of Cambridge, England) | yare | Fear met with faith | God fights for His people; fear must be replaced with trust. |
| Hugo Grotius (1583–1645, University of Leiden, Netherlands) | shalom | Assurance of divine protection | God’s intervention ensures ultimate victory. |
| Henry Hammond (1605–1660, Magdalen College, University of Oxford, England) | emunah | Faithfulness in action | Faith is active, not passive; it shapes the outcome. |
| Johann Albrecht Bengel (1687–1752, University of Tübingen, Germany) | yare/shalom | Fear and trust | God’s plan unfolds for those who stand in faith and trust. |
References
Rashi, Commentary on the Tanakh
Ibn Ezra, Commentary on Exodus
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible
John Gill, Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Owen, The Works of John Owen
Augustine of Hippo, Sermons and Letters on Faith
Richard Sibbes, The Works of Richard Sibbes
Hugo Grotius, Annotationes in Historica et Prophetica
Henry Hammond, Paraphrase and Annotations on the Whole Bible
Johann Albrecht Bengel, Gnomon Novi Testamenti
Closing Encouragement
Exodus 14:12-14 reminds us that the Lord Jesus fights for those who trust Him. When fear arises, stand firm, remain faithful, and watch God move on your behalf. Today, release control, take a step of faith, and allow God’s plan to bring deliverance, peace, and victory in your life in Jesus' Mighty Name. Amen
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