March 9 , 2020
What does it say?
In Chapter 17 of Exodus, two events are recorded. The first is the grumbling of the people when they did not have water, and the second is the defeat of the Amalekites.
What does it mean?
Despite God’s miraculous provisions, the people of Israel still did not trust God to give them what they needed. After moving on from the oasis mentioned in Chapter 16, the people began to complain again to Moses about the lack of water, even going so far as to threaten to stone him. God did provide the water that they needed, as well as the ability to fend off an attack from the Amalekites.
How should I respond?
Are you guilty of having a short memory when it comes to your faith? Do you trust that God will be there when you need Him? It is easy to point out the lack of faith that the Israelites displayed throughout the journey to the Promised Land. However, each of us may experience times of doubt and fear, even though we know that God loves us and will provide a way. It is in these times of doubt and fear of the future that we would do well to look back and remember all of the times that God provided for us in the past. It is not possible for God to be unfaithful to us because unfaithfulness is not part of the character of God. His desire to bless us is never ending. Open your eyes and continually look for the ways God is blessing and providing for you on a daily basis. What can you do today to keep the blessings of God at the forefront of your mind?