“Forgetful Minds”
Did you ever read Cliffs Notes in school? You know, the shortcut that summarized the reading assignment and gave an overall view of it. I feel like chapter 15 in Exodus is the Cliff Note to a big story in the Old Testament. When you have a moment, visit this area of the Bible, but for now I’ll be Cliff.
Moses and the Israelites have witnessed God push the waters of the Red Sea back to make a dry path for them to pass through and defeats their trailing enemy with crashing waves. The Israelites and Moses stand on dry ground in amazement. I’d like to think I would be a ‘Miriam’ and break it down with a victory dance and tambourine! One of the biggest miracles has just played out for God’s people and it was rooted in love and protection for His children.
Moses then leads the people away from the sea and towards the wilderness of Shur. I bet after that cool moment the Israelites thought, “Sure, I’ll follow this dude with the staff anywhere he goes!” Unfortunately, maybe the next stop should’ve been called “Unshur.”
Exodus 15 states, “For three days they traveled in the desert wilderness without finding water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. So, the people grumbled against Moses, saying What are we to drink?”
Peepul! You just witnessed God miraculously lift an entire sea wall; don’t you think He will provide your every need?! But, so quickly I too, forget and doubt.
Recently, I felt God leading me to a challenging circumstance; one that felt impossible. Yet, with His amazing power He made a way and washed my concerns away. He revealed Scripture to ease my thoughts and assured me with wise counsel. I watched His mighty Hand work wonders. But as challenges arose and difficulty was faced, my mind forgot and began to grumble, “Fix the problem Lord!”
The Israelites were doubting God’s provision and wanted their problem fixed.
But our God is a Father that gives more than we know to ask.
Through mine and the Israelite cries, God unravels our need for Him. He takes us to a place in our minds that requires us to rely on Him, call out to Him, and seek Him for everything.
God did provide the water for the Israelites, but He also provided them with an outlook on Who He is. He opened their ears, eyes, and hearts to their desperate need for His guidance with every step.
As I continue through my own “Unshur” wilderness, He will provide a solution for my concerns as well; I need only to remind myself of who He is, The Provider of everything.
Take some time reading through Exodus 15 and answer this for the assignment, “Can I trust God with every step?”
The answer…. yes, you can.
