The following is an excerpt from my new book, “Be a Man the World Needs: Volume One,” available now at: https://a.co/d/80U575e. Every day this week, you can read a new devotion from the first chapter.
1.3 STAY CALM
READ: Exodus 14:1-31
“The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Exodus 14:14 NLT
Imagine escaping slavery after generations. Suddenly the people of Israel experienced incredible freedom! Only, it seemed short-lived. As they camped at the edge of the sea, the armies of their oppressors bore down on them.
The weight of the terror of it must have been horrible. There stood multitudes of men facing the reality of a situation they knew they were powerless to stop. Their wives, children, families and friends were depending on them.
In that moment what the world needed wasn’t for the men of Israel to pick up swords they didn’t have and charge into the fray against the Egyptians. What the world needed was for the men of Israel to calm their fears. They had to choose trust in God over the reality of what they saw before them.
Sometimes your world will need you to step into danger. There will be moments to be bold, decisive, and aggressive. There will also be moments when you must simply trust God. Always be ready to act. Also, be ready to trust. Stay calm.
The headlines are full of men who lose their cool. You’re not going to be one of them. When trouble comes, you know you were made for it. You’re ready to embrace it. You’re calm because you know God himself will fight for you.
CHALLENGE: It’s going to happen. Something is going to surprise you today. It may push all the right buttons. When it comes, don’t lose your cool. Don’t panic. Stay calm. Even if it’s for just 30 seconds at a time.