The Israelite community had been delivered from Egypt in a miraculous way through the Red Sea, while the Egyptians who pursued them all drowned. It was a great miracle. After this, God provided the whole community with manna to eat—another miracle. Now the community came to Rephidim, but there was no water. What did they do? Did they seek water from the Lord who had been providing everything for them? No, they came to Moses and quarreled with him. They accused him of bringing them out into the desert to die of thirst. They forgot the miracles they had received and only grumbled against Moses, through whom God had worked so powerfully. They forgot God’s grace so quickly.

What did Moses do? He prayed and he obeyed. Moses first came to God and cried out to him. He prayed out of frustration and desperation. Moses prayed and God answered. God promised to be with him. He instructed Moses to stand before the rock and strike it. Moses obeyed the word of the Lord. He struck the rock, and it produced water for the entire Israelite community. They had tested the Lord saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?” The Lord revealed himself once again. Though they were quick to forget God’s grace, the Lord was indeed among them. The Lord is ever faithful. Prayer: Lord, help me to be mindful of your gracious presence in my life. Teach me to pray and obey you with trust.
One Word: Trust in God’s faithfulness