Into The Desert
The Waters of Marah and Elim
22 Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they went into the Desert of Shur. For three days they traveled in the desert without finding water. 23 When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. (That is why the place is called Marah. [a] ) 24 So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, "What are we to drink?"
25 Then Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became sweet.
There the LORD made a decree and a law for them, and there he tested them. 26 He said, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you."
27 Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there near the water.
Reflection of Bee:
Reading the passage above and what Marvin Williams said below in Our Daily Bread made my heart cried. It is as if God is speaking to me directly:
"If you are being led into a wilderness of disappointment and bitterness right now, trust God, for He knows exactly where you are and what you need. As you obey His commands, He will lead you out of the desert and into a place of spiritual abundance, healing, and refreshment."Yes, thank God for always knowing my needs and always using the right passage to encourage me. He knows what's in my heart, my deepest thoughts and inner cry. He knows what I have gone through.
—Marvin Williams
Dear Lord,
You never fail to lead me on even when I am in the desert place.
You are with me to see me through my sweet and bitter experiences.
Thank You for keeping me through all my journey.
It's not an easy road to travel when my travelling companion has left me alone.
Thank You that You never leave me nor forsake me.
May You continue to see me through till You bring me home.
Thank You in Jesus' name. Amen.
Reflection of Tommy:
God’s message to the Israelites in today’s passage teaches us how to deal with pain and suffering in life. Instead of complaining or feeling sad and helpless; God reminds us to listen carefully to His voice and do what the Spirit prompted us to do (v26). God who is faithful and love His children so much will surely, in His time and way, bring true healing to our suffering.
Dear Father, thank You for hearing my cries and showing me how Christ will heal all my ‘sicknesses’. Keep me strong with Your peace and grace, always ready to listen to You and to do what is right in Your eyes. Teach me to trust You for all the things You’ve promised me in Your Word.
Lord, I would also like to pray for those who are struggling in the ‘dessert’, that they may see Your love and care, to come to You for healing and finding true fulfillment with Christ, in this life and the next. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
