Too Needy to Receive

Exodus 17:1-7 “Water from the Rock”

     The Israelites spent a lifetime in the desert, and they never missed an opportunity to gripe about the unfavorable conditions. After God had miraculously delivered them slavery through the ten plagues (Exodus 12), miraculously saved them from Pharaoh’s army by parting the Red Sea (Ex. 14), and miraculously kept them from starvation with daily supplies of manna and quail (Ex. 16), the chosen people still had an ungrateful attitude. They continued to worry and complain that God could or would not meet their needs. So God supplied yet another miraculous sign of His faithfulness: water from the rock.

     Sometimes I wonder if the Israelites’ eyes were blind to the seemingly obvious phenomena that the Lord used to display His power and protection. I mean, how fantastic would it be to have God show you exactly where and when to go with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Ex. 13)? Christians these days would give an arm and a leg to receive such clear and wondrous guidance. I think most of us are under the impression that God doesn’t do miracles anymore, not like the ones we read about in the bible. But is it possible that we’ve surrounded ourselves with so much other junk that we are totally blind to His signs, just like the Israelites were?

     There have been plenty of instances when I agonized and despaired over circumstances that were out of my control, and every time the Lord made a way through it. My needs were met when I didn’t think it was possible. I’m glad that I’ve been able to recognize them as little miracles in my own life, but I want to become more aware of God’s provision. I want to put complete trust in Him and rejoice in His blessings. When I think about it, my heavenly Father has poured water from many rocks for me.

Thank you, Father, for the ways in which you command my attention. Teach me to look for them and expect them. Teach me to trust you. Show me your plan in a radical way. Amen.