Exodus 14:13-14

(In September JAM kids learned about Grit - Refusing to give up when life gets hard. with Orange)

Read Exodus 14:13-14

13 But Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid, stand firm, and see the deliverance that the Lord will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you see today you shall never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to keep still.

Imagine you’re an Israelite. One day, Moses shows up and (after a lot of back and forth) finally convinces Pharaoh to let you go free. You gather up your family and you leave Egypt. Then suddenly, Pharaoh changes his mind and leads his powerful army to chase you down. Now you’re standing with the Red Sea in front of you and Pharaoh’s army coming up fast behind. You’re trapped.

The Israelites did what we often do when things seem out of control. They complained, saying, “Why didn’t you let us stay back in Egypt?” But Moses knew God was in control. Moses didn’t tell them to fight or run or even panic. He told them to be still and trust.

Sometimes when things are out of control, we want to take matters into our own hands. But really, the best thing we can do is just stop and ask God for help, because God knows what’s best. We can trust God and hold on with grit because God is in control.

Be Still

Grab a marker and write “Be Still” on your hand or on an index card to keep as a reminder to stop and pray. Trust God to help you keep going with grit.

Dear God, thank You that You love us SO MUCH. Thank You that You are ALWAYS with us. When we don’t know what to do next, help us HOLD ON and follow Jesus. Help us HOLD ON and love You. Help us HOLD ON and love others. We love You SO MUCH, God. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.