These words contain God's command to the believer when you're reduced to desperate straits and brought into extraordinary difficulties. You cannot retreat. You cannot go forward. You're shut up on the right hand and on the left. What now?

The Master's word to you is this: "Stand still."

Listen well—at such times, hear only your 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 you put on cheerful courage, and even in your 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 command has bid you go from strength to strength, and so you shall! Neither death nor hell shall turn you from your course.

What if for a while you're called to stand still? This is but to renew your 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. Faith 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 before God shall say to you, as distinctly as Moses said it to the people of Israel, "Go forward."