GOD'S WILL INCLUDES DIFFICULTIES

Then Moses had Israel set out from the Red Sea...into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days...and found no water.    Exodus 15:22

God led them by cloud by day and pillar of fire by night. They were exactly where He wanted them, and the water was bitter (Marah). Of course God already knew this. It was a test for them. If the celebration at the Red Sea was Monday, by Thursday they were ready to bail on God. They were miserably grumbling at Moses like he was an idiot.     Moses cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree to throw into the waters, and the waters became sweet (Ex. 15:25). Now there is no known tree that can do this. It was a miracle of God. The believers could understand the Hand of God. The unbelievers parked their unbelief on the supposed property of the tree. It went over their heads, and they settled for an imperfect understanding. At this critical time God asked the people to make a commitment to follow Him (Ex. 15:26). Then they came to Elim, a place of 12 springs and 70 date palms. Isn't it interesting that God had them make their commitment when it was informed by difficulties rather than when they were at the Oasis of Elim? Concluding observations: First, God's will often leads to tight spots and difficulties, but for those who love God, it will work out (Rom. 8:28). Recall Naomi who came back to Bethlehem from Moab (Ruth 1&2). She said "Call me Marah, for life is bitter." She was quite tested to say the least, but saw the Hand of God unfold with Ruth and Boaz. Second, any commitment needs to be informed by potential difficulties. We do this at weddings with vows stating in sickness and in health. Lastly, men are capable of extremely fickle actions. Beware of shallowness. Witnessing many miracles cannot substitute for sincere faith.

Russ Simpson