Exodus 17:7 (ESV)

Originally published 03/21/2015

When we are trying to buy something, we test it to see if it does what it is supposed to do. This is also true in the spiritual world. “Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Behold I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may test them whether they will walk in my law or not" Exodus 16:4 (ESV). The test was whether or not they would gather only enough for one day and trust that the next day God would provide. "And he called the name of the place Massah and Meribah, because of the quarreling of the people of Israel, and because they tested the LORD by saying, 'Is the Lord among us or not?'" Exodus17:7 (ESV) At Sinai God promised to provide for Israel, and Israel promised to do everything that God commanded. On this trip they were testing each other to see if each party would do what they promised. Our spiritual lives are a series of tests where God discovers if we really trust him enough to do what he tells us even if it seems impossible and dangerous. We are testing God to see if he will really give us reliable guidance, provide our needs, and protect us. Lord, remind me that every difficulty I face is really a test as to whether I believe you have passed the test and proven yourself to be trustworthy. Give me the faith to do what you tell me, regardless of how difficult or hard it might be. Erase every doubt as to whether or not you are reliable.


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