21 Days: Day 15

Welcome to 21 days of prayer and fasting. Today we are diving into Exodus 17:1-7.In this section, we find the Israelites are traveling through the wilderness in order to get to the place where God is leading them. But on the way, they begin to complain about how they are thirsty and don’t have enough to drink. So, they accuse Moses of leading them out of Egypt and into the dessert to die. And the situation escalates to the point that Moses is fearful for his life. And in their frustration, the Israelites grumble and complain.In this moment, it might be super easy for us to be mad at the Israelites for being frustrated but...I wonder how often we do the same thing? Right, like how often do complain about our own circumstances or talk to everyone else about a situation? We look to other things to provide for what we need now. And much like the Israelites, we get frustrated, especially in our faith, when we feel like our own needs are not being taken care of or that there is not going to be enough. So, out of habit we run to everything else except God to find what we need.I know that in my own life, there has been times that I run faster to fear than I do God. When I was first asked to speak at youth, I got so anxious and fearful so much so I would get sick and nauseous. However, when I spoke on another occasion, I asked for God’s help. He gave me the peace, strength, and confidence that I needed and as a result got through it without any symptoms that I had before. God provided everything I needed in order to do what He had called me to do.And this is what we find in this story, even though the people do not immediately go to God for help, Moses, the one who is leading them, takes the situation to God.And the Lord tells them this:“I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink” (Exodus 17:6)In this moment, God is teaching the Israelites that He knows what they need and will always provide for them. What I love about this is that not only does God promise provision, but even in the moments that Israelites don’t run to God first, he still gives us exactly what we need.So maybe this is where you find yourself today. Maybe you feel frustrated, fearful, or unsure because you can’t possibly see how God will provide. Or perhaps, you didn’t make God your first choice and you’ve found yourself needing Him now more than ever.But let this story be an encouragement to you that no matter what, He will always give you exactly what you need exactly when you need it. And that even when we don’t run to Him first, he will always let us come back to Him. So, my challenge to you is to take the situation to God and watch how He will work. God sees you. He loves you and He will always provide for you.Let’s Pray,Jesus, I thank you for you who you are and how you love us. Lord, help us to know that we are fully seen, known, and loved by you. And that you know exactly what we need and that you are already working in the situation that we may find themselves in. Help us to run to you first and find that provision and safety in you. God, I ask that this word that we looked at today would speak directly to our hearts as we make time and space to hear from you. And it’s in Jesus’ name that I pray all of these things. Amen.