Days of Deserts and Thirsting
Following a promise by God for liberation from slavery in Egypt, Israel did as God commanded and traveled through the desert, to camp in Rephidim, “but there was no water to drink”. They were following the will of God, yet they were in certain peril if they did not soon get water. They were within the will of God but in a very difficult time.
What follows is a very interesting exchange between Israel and their leader, Moses, but I can’t get there yet, because I’m still stuck on verse 1: they set out according to the commandment of the Lord …but there was no water to drink. This was not a small problem and for a time there seemed no solution.
To be leading one’s life according to God’s will is not to be without suffering. One’s faith does not always shield arrows of pain, loss; and injustice; being a disciple of Christ does not promise that you fly First Class on all of life’s journeys, and following God into the desert does not guarantee a spring of water bursting forth from a rock in the arid earth.
But then… God does provide. He makes good on his promise to meet Israel’s need. And not just sufficient to quench their thirst but generously and abundantly through a remarkable miracle, of water gushing from a rock. Despite their faithlessness, their contention with Moses and their temptation of God (“Is the Lord among us or not?”) He answers with generous provision.
When we are in times of darkness and doubt it can be tempting to question God’s presence and commitment to us. There are certainly catastrophes and atrocities at home and around the world in which it seems hard to find God’s grace amidst the rubble. But God asks us, like Israel, to trust in Him as he leads us toward freedom. He doesn’t promise that that journey will be without suffering. He does promise that He will walk with us, and that we can trust in his love and presence and provision. He does show us that to all of our greatest questions, He is the answer.
Loving and faithful God, be patient with us in the times when doubt and uncertainty make us question you. Help us be reminded that a life in the will of God is not one that is always easy, and be assured that your promise and plan for us surpasses our understanding. Thank you for demonstrating your divine love for us by walking alongside us through days of desert and thirsting, and for providing us with refreshment through your generous grace. Amen
Kirsten Bowles