one war, many battles: Stand Still

Angela's new favorite song in the office is this one, and it's one of mine as well.

Kneeling on this battle ground

Seeing just how much You've done

Knowing every victory

Was Your power in us

Scars and struggles on the way

But with joy our hearts can say

Yes, our hearts can say...

Never once did we ever walk alone

Never once did You leave us on our own

You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Never Once by Matt Redman

I may be brought to my knees on the battlefield by a painful blow, and the healing process may be slow. But even while suffering injury in lonely shadows, unable to pick myself up, God is with me and at work. It matters not if my senses be numb to feel him near, nor if my eyes be temporarily blinded and thrown into confusion from wartime shrapnel. The General who gave my marching orders to the very place where I received my wound is also the great battlefield Surgeon, and I need not understand the working of his hand but simply trust his sovereign skill. So may I abide by his faint whisper of "peace, be still."
On that final day, we will trade our scars for perfect unity and love found in the scars of Christ.
May I live today in light of that day.


This particular passage keeps coming back to me from Spurgeon's Morning & Evening July 24th (Morning). It speaks directly to where I am, and have been for a while. I am thankful for that.

"Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord." - Exodus 14:3

These words contain God's command to the believer when he is reduced to great straits and brought into extraordinary difficulties. He cannot retreat; he cannot go forward; he is shut up on the right hand and on the left; what is he now to do? The Master's word to him is, "Stand still." It will be well for him if at such times he listens only to his Master's word, for other and 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. Cowardice says, "Retreat; go back to the worldling's way of action; you cannot play the Christian's part, it is too difficult. Relinquish your principles." But, 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 go from strength to strength, and so thou shalt, and neither death nor 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 for some greater advance in due time. Precipitancy cries, "do something. Stir yourself; to stand still and 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 will not only do something but will do everything. Presumption 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, "Stand still," and immovable as a rock it stands. "Stand still;"-keep the posture of an upright man, ready for action, expecting further orders, cheerfully and patiently awaiting the directing voice; and it will not be long ere God shall say to you, as distinctly as Moses said it to the people of Israel, "Go forward."

1st photo: WWII bunker in Cinque Terre, Italy 2007

2nd photo: last family trip to hunting cabin in Tioga County, 8/13/11