When Waiting Feels Like a Wall and God Says, “Be Still” - October 7, 2025

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“The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm” (Exodus 14:14, NLT).

Have you ever wanted something so badly you’d do anything to achieve it? Maybe it was a college degree, or finally finding that Mr.Charming to share your life with? Perhaps it was paying off your debt or becoming a professional dancer despite the criticisms of others? 

Regardless of the dream, we can all relate to the inner longings within our souls. However, the longer our hope gets deferred and delayed, the wearier we become. When waiting feels like a wall, we’re tempted to give up, call our dreams far-fetched, and throw a petty tantrum. Can you relate?

The question isn’t when our dreams will get delayed, but what to do when they do. According to Exodus chapter 14, Scripture reminds us that when the road seems long, and we’ve reached our wits’ end, we can choose to rest. Rest? Yes, rest. But there’s so much to do, our minds spat! Of course there is, this is life. But God’s rest is an active pursuit. Let me explain. 

God’s people also had dreams. Dreams of freedom, joy, and living life to the fullest. Overwhelmed by the weight of their sin and the oppression of their enemies, they felt stuck. Just after leaving Egypt, they come face-to-face with the Red Sea. And yet, watch what the Lord commands them: 

“As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the Lord, and they said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? Didn’t we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, ‘Leave us alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be an enslaved person in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!” But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm” (Exodus 14:10-14, NLT). 

God’s people stood face-to-face with a mountain—talk about a rock and a hard place. And yet, in the midst of waiting, the unknown, scary, and crazy places, the Lord said, “Just stay calm.” The NIV says verse 14 this way: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14, NIV). 

If we’re honest with ourselves and others, “being still” is easier said than done. Especially when we’re waiting on something we really want, we’d prefer the Scriptures tell us to “get moving,” or “hurry,” yet the opposite is true. When we’re longing for something with our whole hearts, I believe two things are required:

1. Constant surrender to the Lord. 

2. Patience and peace to wait on His timing. 

Like the Israelite’s, waiting on God for an answer can feel petrifying. Either He would part the Red Sea and save them from Pharaoh, or He wouldn’t. The same is true in our lives. Remember to be still in His presence when the waiting feels like a wall. Seek His face. Surrender to His timeline. Ask Him for help as you wait on His timing. 

Sometimes, waiting looks like doing something He’s asked you to do. Sometimes, waiting means standing still and watching Him fight. Nevertheless, waiting on the Lord requires active trust and faith in Him. It’s not a passive, half-hearted prayer but a posture of total surrender. 

What’s one “wall” in your life you feel like you’re currently facing? How can you invite God into that moment? 

How can you practice stillness while God works behind the scenes today? 

Who can you invite into these battles to stand with you while you wait? 

Prayer

Dear Jesus, trusting you, especially when we grow weary and tired of waiting, is exhausting. Like Israel, we’re tempted to go our own way and run back to Egypt. But we know, Lord, that you know best. You have good plans for us. And you’re asking us to wait on you. Trust you. Stand still. Please help us to possess an active faith that waits on you before we move. Show us the way, and guide us when to stay and when to go. We love, praise, and thank you, Jesus. Amen.

 Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Tutye

Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up Amber looked for faith and mental health resources and found none. Today, she offers hope for young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond simply reading your Bible and praying more. Because you can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.

Related Resource: Soft Words for Hard Days: A Conversation with Aundi Kolber

Some days feel heavy. Some moments leave us wondering how to keep going. If you’ve ever longed for encouragement amid life’s hardest moments, I have a special episode of The Love Offering for you. This week, I’m joined by therapist and bestselling author Aundi Kolber to discuss her latest book, Take What You Need: Soft Words for Hard Days. This beautiful collection of quotes, scriptures, prayers, and gentle exercises is designed to be a balm for your most tender places—a reminder that you are never alone on your journey to healing.

In our conversation, we explore:
✨ How to hold space for yourself and others in difficult seasons
✨ The power of compassionate words when life feels overwhelming
✨ Practical ways to embrace healing and take one more step forward

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