15 August Exodus 15

God will test you in the wilderness

Exodus 15:22-25 (AMP) “Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went into the Wilderness of Shur; they went [a distance of] three days (about thirty-three miles) in the wilderness and found no water. 23 Then they came to Marah, but they could not drink its waters because they were bitter; therefore it was named Marah (bitter). 24 The people [grew discontented and] grumbled at Moses, saying, “What are we going to drink?” 25 Then he cried to the Lord [for help], and the Lord showed him a tree, [a branch of] which he threw into the waters, and the waters became sweet. There the Lord made a statute and an ordinance for them, and there He tested them.”

God tested the people. How would they respond in times of difficulty? The first test was by the sea when the Egyptians were chasing them. The people complained that Moses had brought them to the desert to die, but God rescued them. After three days in the desert without water, the people grumbled again about their thirst, and once more, God rescued them.

What will be our response in difficult times? These tests aimed to see if the people would look to God in times of need.

God cannot tempt you. He can, however, test you to see whether you can put your trust in Him. James 1:13-14 (AMP) Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God” [for temptation does not originate from God, but from our own flaws]; for God cannot be tempted by [what is] evil, and He Himself tempts no one. 14 But each one is tempted when he is dragged away, enticed and baited [to commit sin] by his own [worldly] desire (lust, passion). When Moses reflected on the 40 years in the wilderness, he reminded the people that this was exactly what God was doing: testing them. Deuteronomy 8:2 (AMP) And you shall remember [always] all the ways which the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart (mind), whether you would keep His commandments or not.

After showing that God tests His people's faith, He revealed that He may bless those who remain obedient during difficult times in the wilderness. Exodus 15:26(AMP) saying, “If you will diligently listen and pay attention to the voice of the Lord your God, and do what is right in His sight, and listen to His commandments, and keep [foremost in your thoughts and actively obey] all His precepts and statutes, then I will not put on you any of the diseases which I have put on the Egyptians; for I am the Lord who heals you.”

The story of Marah is still relevant today because we also face tough times and unmet needs. Like the Israelites found bitter water, we experience disappointments and hardships that test our faith. This story reminds us of God’s faithfulness and power to provide for us unexpectedly. It encourages us to keep our faith and trust in God, even when things seem hopeless, knowing He can turn our bitter experiences into sweet blessings.