Then Moses ordered Israel to set out from the Red Sea, and they went into the wilderness of Shur. They went three days in the wilderness and found no water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it was bitter. That is why it was called Marah. And the people complained against Moses, saying, "What shall we drink?" He cried out to the LORD; and the LORD showed him a piece of wood; he threw it into the water, and the water became sweet.

There the LORD made for them a statute and an ordinance and there he put them to the test. He said, "If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in his sight, and give heed to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will not bring upon you any of the diseases that I brought upon the Egyptians; for I am the LORD who heals you."

Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees; and they camped there by the water.

Exodus 15:22-27

Joy and sorrow are often close companions. Just as the Israelites went from the thrill of victory at the Red Sea to the bitter water of Marah three days later, our rejoicing can turn to anguish. Our pain may come from the ill-will of others, or worse, from their neglect. Our LORD permits us to be tested. When we say yes to God as His Spirit reveals His will to us through His Word, the bitter circumstances of our lives can become sweet. We must not grumble against what the LORD permits. Instead, we must do all that He asks us to do. Jesus said that we are to take up our cross daily and follow Him. When we remember Jesus’ cross and submit to the Father as He did, our worst experiences can become our best.

God uses our difficulties to make us better, not bitter.

Our Daily Bread – January 27, 2004