[Exodus Experience Series] Exodus Experience DevotionsSample

The Virtue of Patience

One of the most significant qualities of a leader that is born out of an Exodus Experience is the virtue of patience. Sometimes we find ourselves surrounded by the difficulties and are so deeply immersed in it all that we cannot find which way is up. When this happens, we can remain calm, waiting on God’s gentle tug pulling us in the right direction. The tug may come from other Christians’ wise counsel, the Scriptures, the leading of the Holy Spirit, or through our earnest and expectant prayers, but the key is recognizing our dependence upon Him and having the patience to trust Him to work in His way and in His time. This patience is what gets developed in an Exodus Experience.

The speech of Moses in verses 13 and 14 are perhaps his finest hour as the leader of Israel. He urges calm and then commands simple, patient waiting in the midst of the chaos and fear. This wonderful message is shaped out of his knowledge and trust in God even though the people—who had seen God work miraculously before—now were full of fear.

Moses first tells the people, “Do not be afraid.” This small statement carries the weight of the God of Israel and His promises with it. Moses knew God well enough to make this emphatic statement. Do we know God that well? In Deuteronomy, we hear these words: “Do not be afraid, for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” What incredible words of comfort! Paul tells us in his letter to the Romans that, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” We are not to fear.

Moses then tells the nation to “Stand still.” Why? So they can see the salvation of the Lord that HE will accomplish. The Psalmist tells us to rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. The Prophet Isaiah tells us that those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength and will walk and run without growing weary. What marvelous promises. Robert J. Morgan says it this way, “Many times we cannot solve problems, heal hurts, change circumstances, or win our own battles. We must kneel in prayer, then stand to see what He will do. We must leave room for God, staying calm and giving Him time to work.” Patience becomes a virtue when we pray, stand still, and watch Him work for His glory and our good.