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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise I join with Israel and sing, “The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. Who among the gods is like you, O Lord? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” (Exod 15:2–11 NIV). I worship you today and magnify your name! Hallelujah! Today in Your Word Today you told me about the crossing of the Red Sea and the grumbling of the Israelites over their lack of food and water. You began to test your people the moment they left Egypt. Knowing they would turn back if they faced war with the Philistines, you deliberately led them to a place where they would be trapped between the Egyptian army and the sea. This teaches me that you may lead me into desperate situations in order to test my faith. The Israelites panicked at first, but Moses told them, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord” (Exod 14:13). Then “by faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land” (Heb 11:29). When the Egyptians tried to follow, you drowned the entire army. This teaches me that when I’m confronted by such circumstances, I should put my trust in you and wait for your deliverance. You delight to show yourself strong on behalf of those who fear you (2 Chr 16:9). The awesome miracle at the Red Sea should have shown the Israelites that you were trustworthy, but only three days later, they were grumbling about the bitter water of Marah. This teaches me that witnessing miracles does not produce great faith. Instead, great faith is forged in the furnace of adversity. It comes from a settled conviction that you can and you will keep your word (Luke 7:1–10). Sadly, Israel had to learn from repeated experience that you were able to provide for them. You recorded these events so I can learn to trust you the first time. By focusing on your faithfulness in the past, I can face crises with confidence rather than with doubt and fear. Reflection Grumbling and complaining about your direction in my life is the same as questioning your goodness and resisting your will. Am I guilty of this insidious sin? Request Father, your leadership may one day take me to a place where there is no water. If so, please help me to accept it with quiet humility and trust in you to provide my needs. Thanksgiving Thank you for sharing with me how you tested Israel’s faith. I’m grateful for the chance to learn from their mistakes and to examine my own life for signs of a complaining spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “He Rolled the Sea Away” by Henry J. Zelley. Meditation Verse: Exodus 14:14. |