Daily Devotional - Transition to Power - WK30 - 07/27/24 - Day 187 "Faith in the Desert"

Author: Evangelist Lisa L. Dalton

No Grumbling – No Complaining

Scripture: Exodus 15:22-24 (KJV)

22 So Moses brought Israel from the Red Sea; then they went out into the Wilderness of Shur. And they went three days in the wilderness and found no water. 23 Now when they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore the name of it was called [d]Marah. 24And the people complained against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” 25 So he cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet."

Devotion:
This passage captures a critical moment in the journey of the Israelites. After the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, they quickly faced a new challenge: the bitter waters of Marah. Their initial response was one of grumbling and complaintcomplaining, highlighting a common human tendency to forget God’s past faithfulness when faced with new difficulties. How many of us have done that?

I want to point out three key points about their journey.

1. *Transition from Miracle to Trial:* The Israelites experienced a mighty miracle at the Red Sea, but soon found themselves in a dire situation without water. This shift from triumph to trial is something we often experience in our own lives. It reminds us that faith is not just about celebrating victories but also about trusting God in the face of new challenges,. Which can often cause you to lose heart.

2. *The Bitterness of Marah:* Marah represents the bitter experiences we encounter. Just as the Israelites found the waters undrinkable, we too may face situations that seem unbearable. These moments test our faith and our response to adversity.

3. *Grumbling vs. Trust:* The Israelites' immediate reaction was to grumble against Moses. It’s a natural human response to complain when things go wrong, but it reveals a lack of trust in God's continued provision. This passage challenges us to shift from a mindset of grumbling to one of trusting God’s faithfulness, remembering how He has provided in the past.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your faithfulness and provision in our lives. Forgive us for the times we have grumbled and complained when faced with difficulties. Help us to trust You more deeply, especially when we encounter the bitter waters of life. Strengthen our faith and remind us of Your past miracles as we navigate new challenges. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Application:
Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge or bitter experience. How did you respond? Consider how you might cultivate a spirit of trust rather than grumbling in future trials. Write down a few ways God has been faithful to you in the past and use this as a reminder to trust Him with your current and future challenges.