Scripture Reading:
Exodus 17:1-7
17:1 From the wilderness of Sin the whole congregation of the Israelites journeyed by stages, as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink.
17:2 The people quarreled with Moses, and said, "Give us water to drink." Moses said to them, "Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the LORD?"
17:3 But the people thirsted there for water; and the people complained against Moses and said, "Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?"
17:4 So Moses cried out to the LORD, "What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me."
17:5 The LORD said to Moses, "Go on ahead of the people, and take some of the elders of Israel with you; take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go.
17:6 I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink." Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel.
17:7 He called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled and tested the LORD, saying, "Is the LORD among us or not?"
Message:
As I read the scripture for today a feeling of guilt washes over me. I have questioned God’s plan just like the Israelites. I have felt abandoned, and I’ve gotten upset at where my life has led me. However, I wasn’t even wandering through a desert dying of thirst. As I read through this scripture I find it impossible to judge the Israelites for questioning God; instead, I find it easy to see myself doing the exact same thing. At the end of the story we see God come through once more as He always does. He gives them water, and their faith is renewed.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could
trust God through all of our challenges? What would life be like if we praised
the Lord even before getting the “water”? Trust is something that is so much
easier when life is going well. However, trust is needed most during the
chaotic moments in life. We see in the bible time and time again that God
listens to His children. When I look back at the harder times in my life, when
I’ve trusted God I’ve gotten through them stronger than ever. My challenge for
you, praise God in the midst of the deserts of life, remembering His unfailing love.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for providing for us. Thank you for giving us strength for all of our storms, and thank you for leading us through each challenge in life. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
395 Take Time to be Holy
May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.
Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for providing for us. Thank you for giving us strength for all of our storms, and thank you for leading us through each challenge in life. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
395 Take Time to be Holy
May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.
Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God
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