[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":4},["ShallowReactive",2],{"reading-0419":3},"APRIL 19\r\nStand still, and see the salvation of the Lord (Exod. 14:13).\r\nThese words contain God's command to the believer when he is reduced to great straits and brought into extraordinary\r\ndifficulties. He cannot retreat; he cannot go forward; he is shut upon the right hand and on the left What is he now to do?\r\nThe Master's word to him is \"stand still.\" It will be well for him\r\nif, at such times, he listens only to his Master's word, for other\r\nand evil advisers come with their suggestions. Despair whispers,  \"Lie down and die; give it all up.\" But God would have us put on a cheerful courage, and even in our worst times, rejoice in His love  and faithfulness.\r\nCowardice says, \"Retreat; go back to the worldling's way of action;\r\nyou cannot play the Christian's part; it is too difficult. Relinquish your principles.\"\r\nBut however much Satan may urge this course upon you, you cannot follow it if you are a child of God. His Divine fiat has bid thee\r\ngo from strength to strength, and so thou shalt and neither death\r\nnor hell shall turn thee from thy course. What if for a while thou art called to stand still; yet this is but to renew thy strength\r\nfor some greater advance in due time.\r\nPrecipitancy cries, \"Do something; stir yourself; to stand still\r\nand wait Is sheer idleness.\" We must be doing something at once-we must do it so we think-instead of looking to the Lord, who win not\r\nonly do something, but will do everything.\r\nPresumption boasts, 'If the sea be before you, march into it and  expect a miracle.\" But faith listens neither to Presumption, nor to Despair, nor to Cowardice, nor to Precipitancy, but it hears God  say,\r\n\"Stand still,\" and immovable as a rock it stands.\r\n\"Stand still \"-keep the posture of an upright man, ready for\r\naction, expecting further orders, cheerfully and patiently awaiting the directing voice; and it will not be long ere God shall say to\r\nyou, as distinctly as Moses said it to the people of Israel, \"Go forward.\"\r\n--Spurgeon.\r\nBe quiet! why this anxious heed About thy tangled ways? God knows them all. He giveth speed\r\n\r\nAnd He allows delays.\r\n'Tis good for thee to walk by faith And not by sight.\r\nTake it on trust a little while.\r\nSoon shalt thou read the mystery aright In the full sunshine of His smile.\r\nIn times of uncertainty, wait. Always, if you have any doubt, wait. Do not force your-self to any action. If you have a restraint in\r\nyour spirit wait until all is clear, and do not go against it.",1783499792051]