“And the people murmured against Moses, saying, ‘What shall we drink?‘” (Exodus 15:24).

Sometimes when we become insecure we do things we later regret. The Israelites were just beginning the journey into the wilderness and their nerves were frayed. They had gone 3 days into the wilderness with no water. When they finally discovered water, it was too bitter to drink. They had wives and children they were responsible for, as well as livestock. Water was crucial. And their hope was now dashed. When our hope is tested, we can begin to whine and gripe.

And, its human nature to personalize our problem. We tend to want to place blame rather than look for the problem to solve. So, they blamed Moses. Our present verse said the people “murmured against Moses“. It was God they were mad at, but how can anyone be upset with God? God was the One leading them by the Pillar of Fire and Cloud. Day and night He led them. The miracle of the Shekinah Glory was continually visible and clearly leading the way…straight to the bitter waters of Marah.

So they blamed the shepherd. They took the humanistic view. Moses was in a tough spot. He was as insecure and filled with doubt as the people. He was as thirsty as they were. He really didn’t want to be in this position. He told God he didn’t want to do this; but God said three times, “Go” (Exodus 3:16; 4:12; and 4:19).

God wanted to bring them all to the point of faith, not just Moses. God was stretching the faith of them all. And he was using bitter experiences to do it.

Don’t rely on someone else’s faith. Release your own faith and watch what God will do with your bitter waters.

Tags: bitterness