2/23

Exodus 17:7

⁷And he called the name of the place Massah and Meribah, because of the quarreling of the people of Israel, and because they tested the LORD by saying, "Is the LORD among us or not?"

Once again the people were upset because there was no water. Once again they blamed Moses. They hadn't learned the last lesson from the miracle of daily manna. It is the LORD that provides for our needs. This time they threw in a new twist. The asked if the LORD was really among them. They had seen and experienced the wonders God did in Egypt, crossed the sea, seen water transformed and quail and bread delivered to them in the wilderness. They had seen the glory of the LORD in the cloud that led them, and now do they dare to ask if God is really among them?

No wonder Moses called the place "Testing and Quarreling". This account will come up a number of times in Scripture. What is it about man that he has so little faith? Even after God has shown us over and over that He is faithful, one little test comes along and we ask if He is really with us or not. His patience is amazing. In this account, the LORD had Moses strike a rock from which water came out in abundance.

To ask God to do your bidding to prove He is with you is to declare your doubt in His Word and downplay all the things He has done for you to this point in time. When tempted to test God and quarrel with His servants, instead pray with faith. Declare your trust in God's faithfulness. Remind yourself of all the times in your past that He has been faithful. Then wait patiently for His direction.

Consider: How would you feel if your children constantly doubted your concern for them? What would you prefer they did instead? What could they say that would please your heart? Will you be an example for them by trusting God?