He Put Them

To The Test

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 thee 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 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

After the Israelites miraculously crossed the Red Sea, they were led into the desert. God led them from a place of revelation to a place of disappointment and dire need.

But God wanted to show them that life is a combination of bitter and sweet, triumph and defeat.

The LORD wanted to teach them that each experience on their journey would reveal their hearts. This test showed they were living by sight and not by faith. They also learned that God was involved in their daily affairs. He wanted them to know that He not only could part the sea, but He would supply the water for His people. He knew their needs because He planned their way.

If you are being led into a wilderness of disappointment and bitterness right now, trust God, for He knows exactly where you are and what you need. As you obey His commands, He will lead you out of the desert and into a place of spiritual abundance, healing, and refreshment.

The more bitter the desert experience, the sweeter the water of the oasis.

Our Daily Bread – January 26, 2007