Bovine Blockade
The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14 (NIV)
Growing up on a nice farm, we raised cows. The cattle were huge, but I was just a child looking up to them. They ambled along and but weren’t pushy or greedy. They kind of got in the way and did not want to move. Marianne Campbell (All God’s Creatures) explains that big issues can sometimes block our way—like cows.
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In some places where I hike, the trail passes through public land shared with ranchers who graze cattle there. Sometimes the cows and I want to use the same path. Personally, I’m not afraid of cows. I find them homey animals with their big cow eyes and broad, moist noses. But when my head only reaches their shoulders, they can seem a bit intimidating and sometimes reluctant to move out of the way. Most of the time, though, just standing within their view motivates them to relocate. I guess they are no more eager to confront me than I am to confront them. I don’t have to do a thing.
When I read the verse “The LORD will fight for you, you need only to be still,” I was reminded of those cows. I’d been wrestling with something that had robbed me of my peace of mind. I was losing sleep over it. Like a large cow blocking my path, it was something I couldn’t see around or remove, and despite my best efforts, I was discontented and unhappy.
God’s Word tells me that he will fight my fights for me. I need only to “be still.” But sometimes it’s hard for me to trust that God will act without my “help.” Yet Scripture says otherwise.
Do I believe His promise to “fight” for me? Yes! Praying over this verse helped me put the obstacle into the proper Hands, and I was able to get to sleep, knowing all the “cows” in my life are taken care of. When I prayerfully approach God with my needs, He will often answer, be still. In every case, I need only to stand by and watch the miracle, rescues, solutions, and blessings.
His love and care never tire of change, can never be taken from you. —Louisa May Alcott
Gracious Father, thank You for Your promises; they bring us great comfort. Help us to believe in them wholeheartedly and to trust You more. AMEN.