Grumble or Trust

Following the Exodus from Egypt, the Israelites were eyewitnesses to immense miracles. They saw plagues Moses called into existence, including boils, hail, fire, locusts, darkness, but also the cloud at day and pillar of fire at night. They witnessed the miracles, but evidently did not believe that God had more for them.

Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness and found no water. 23 When they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, because they were bitter; for that reason it was named Marah. 24 So the people grumbled at Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?” 25 Then he cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a tree; and he threw it into the waters, and the waters became sweet. (Exodus 15:22-25 NASB)

After three days of walking in the desert the Israelites are understandably thirsty. When they see water, maybe even ran to it, they find it undrinkable. We understand their frustration. When people are suffering from pain, frustration, or fear, they have two options – grumble, murmur, and complain, or trust.

When in Egypt, these people saw miracles we cannot imagine seeing. Yet, when the challenge got personal it was obvious the miracles were not taken to heart, because there was no vision, hope, or understanding.

Remember a time when you were in desperate need? The ground under your feet shifted and you didn’t know how to stand? How did you react? Anger? Complaining? Or trust?

The waters of Marah was a test for the Israelites (Exodus 15:26). On page 53 of Derek Prince’s book “God’s Word Heals”, he wrote,

“Faith climbs up on obstacles. It is overcoming difficulties that gives us increased faith and spiritual character. There is no other way that character can be built.”

Have you seen God move in your past? Has he shown you His Presence in days gone by? Could your present trial be a training ground upon which to grow your faith? When you are being tested, will you murmur, whine, complain, or doubt? Or will you trust God for another move of His Presence in your life? There is another miracle waiting for you!

– Blessings, Pastor E