Tuesday, March 19: Exodus 17- How do I respond to God?.

Is the path of God supposed to be easy?

Today’s chapter begins with Israel grumbling and complaining again. The whole Israelite community set out from the Desert of Sin, traveling from place to place as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. So they quarreled with Moses and said, "Give us water to drink." Moses replied, "Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the LORD to the test?" But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. They said, "Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?" (1-3)

I realize that water is important but is this a model for how to not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God (Philippians 4:6)?

This is at least the third time they have grumbled. Every time they encountered adversity they seemed to grumble.

Do I think following Jesus is supposed to be easy? How do I handle adversity? What is my go-to response to problems? The Lord peppered me with these thoughts. Do I turn faithfully to the Lord or do I whine at others for getting me into this or that situation?

And so my response to The Word went this morning…

Oh, God, I want to be reliant on You not a grumbler against You. Lord, I desire to turn to You in petition with thanksgiving not grumble and moan and complain. But Lord, my desires fall short.  Forgive me when they do. Correct me when I don’t see it and empower me by Your Spirit to live as You want Your followers to live. To You I surrender my life and my life journey. Lead me where You would have me go… through my Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen.

 

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