Arguing and Testing!

 Exodus 17: 1-7 v 2b “Quiet” Moses replied, “Why are you complaining against me? And why are you testing the Lord?”

At the Lord’s command the people left the wilderness of Sin and moved from place to place. There was no water to drink. So once more the people complained against Moses. “Give us water to drink” they demanded. “Quiet” Moses replied, “Why are you complaining against me? And why are you testing the Lord? Are you trying to kill us, our children, and our livestock with thirst?” The Lord said to Moses,” Walk out in front of the people. Strike the rock, and water will come gushing out. Moses named the place Massah (which means test) and Meribah (which means arguing), because the people asked, “Is the Lord here with us or not?”

We are always ready to complain first. If things are not going right, then it is God’s fault. And we usually have a suggestion as to what He needs to do to put it right. Instead of calmly waiting for God who promises to be with us always, we begin to argue with those around us and complain about our terrible situation. And test the Lord. And God’s response to His children? He does not provide a trickle of water, a gentle running stream but water comes gushing out from a rock! I have seen movies of people drilling for oil and they dig and dig in dry and dusty places then suddenly; the oil comes gushing out. That is what I imagine the water to be like coming from the rock. The elders around were probably soaked by it! When you feel you are dry with thirst remember that God is always with us and will provide for all our needs. Is the Lord here with us, YES!

Prayer: Heavenly Father we are sorry if we get overwhelmed by life’s challenges and start to complain to those around us. Help us to always trust you to be there for us with the solutions we need. Amen.