February 6th

Exodus 16:1-19:25

God continued to lead His people out of Egypt into the Sinai peninsula, testing them as they went, to see if they were going to trust Him or abandon Him. At one point, they ran out of food and became hungry. Another time they ran out of water and grew thirsty. Then, finally, they were attacked by the Amalekites. God was challenging their faith with every step away from Egypt.

Some other important events took place as well, like the reunion with Jethro; he counseled Moses to select God-fearing men to assist him in leading and judging the people. You also read of God’s visit to Mt. Sinai, where He would later reveal His laws.

However, let’s back up and consider these tests of God. As much as the Israelites hated their former life of slavery in Egypt, they still desired its comforts and conveniences over trudging through the desert. They were not accustomed to trusting God for everything, for they had lived 430 years without knowing who He was and that He cared. These tests were too much for them, so they thought, and they complained bitterly against Moses, against Aaron, and against the Lord. But that was the point of the tests, to see if the people were truly going to rely upon the Lord to meet their needs.

The Lord proved faithful. He miraculously provided water twice, and He even provided daily meals, by sending manna and quail to eat. Every step of the way, God proved to them that He was their sole provider and that they could trust Him to take care of them. When they were attacked by the Amalekites, God proved that He was their protection. Every instance where they ran up against a need, God was there, ready, willing, and able to provide and protect His people.

Daily Reflection

Did you notice how much the people of Israel complained? Every time they faced a hardship, they griped and grumbled. While these challenges were meant to test their faith, the Lord was discovering that they had none.

What about you? When you are squeezed by trials or difficulties, what comes out of you — griping and grumbling or prayers and petitions?

The Israelites longed for the comfort and convenience of Egypt. Their instinct was to run from the challenges of the desert and return to their former way of life. What they did not realize was that they were slaves. They were comfortable in their slavery but uncomfortable in their freedom and unwilling to trust God and follow Him wherever He might take them.

Do you ever find yourself wishing for comfort and convenience rather than the “challenges of the desert” life, a place that causes you to trust in God? Which life is truly better for you?

BiAY.org | Daily Reflections Day 37 — 328 Days to Go