Lessons

After celebrating their freedom from bondage, the Israelites faced reality. Ahead lay a long journey, filled with many obstacles. This journey became a time of testing.

Just days after the Egyptian army had been defeated, they urgently needed water. God miraculously met their needs.

Then they needed food. They grumbled and even said they were better off in Egypt. Once again, God met their needs. But they did not seem to understand that these were tests. They were not learning their lessons.

Then, once again, they needed water. They already had forgotten how God previously provided for them. Instead, they “quarreled.” Moses responded, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the LORD?” He knew this was a test.

God continually tried to teach them that He would meet their needs, even when there appeared to be no hope. The tests were meant to show them that they always should trust Him. When Moses approached God with their need for water, He told Moses to strike the rock at Horeb with his staff, and then “water will come out of it.”

God was showing them that He even could provide water out of solid rock. He was demonstrating that nothing was too hard for Him.

Then Moses gave this place a name so the Israelites might remember how God had responded. Yet they quickly forgot.

In your life, you can expect to face situations in which God calls on you to remember lessons from the past and the truths of His Word. Make sure that you are ready. Know His Word. Remember all the ways He has blessed you, and thank Him for the many prayers He has answered.

Don’t give in to discouragement but have faith. With God, nothing is impossible!