In Exodus 17:1-7, the people of Israel were thirsty. They were wailing and becoming angry, for there wasn’t any water in the desert. Moses interceded on their behalf. He went to The Lord, and The Lord provided. For 600,000 people to remain quenched by the same water source, a miracle would have to have taken place. Fortunately for them, God seems to enjoy working miracles for his people.
When I read this story now, it is extremely easy for me to hop up on my high horse and mock the Israelites for doubting God. How could they lose faith? He brought them out of slavery, parted entire bodies of water for them, made food rain from heaven, and they STILL doubt his presence?!
Then I look at my own life. I’ve experienced countless miracles, endless forgiveness, all my physical needs met, and yet I still doubt that God will provide. How am I any better than the Israelites were? God is always there. Just as he was there on the rock when Moses struck it, he has always been there for me. When I’ve prayed over my fundraising journey, donations have come in left and right. When I’m stressing over getting all of my gear purchased, my mom surprises me with both of the pairs of hiking shoes I needed!
So far, I’ve realized that God stripped my life down to the baseboards for this trip. One by one, he removed any and everything that would prevent me from loving and serving him entirely. Now he is pulling my control away. Money has always been my weak spot. Money (or, a lack thereof) has always been my biggest crisis of faith. What better position to put me in than this journey? One where money is important, but whether I am blessed with it or not is entirely dependent on having faith that God will provide it. Isn’t it incredible how God works?
Over the weekend, I ask that you join with me in prayer as we go through our own personal periods of thirst. God will provide the water, but it won’t be by any of our own works that he provides it.
Have a great day!
-Chessie
