When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. (That is why the place is called Marah.) So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?”
Then Moses cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became fit to drink.
There the Lord issued a ruling and instruction for them and put them to the test.
(Exodus 15:23-25)
I don’t like anything bitter. In fact, I don’t even like the word “bitter.” I’ve got to admit, “Marah” sounds much better. But the story behind the name is far more interesting.
The newly released captives were making their foray toward the promised land, with Moses following God’s lead. They had traveled in the desert for three long days without finding any water (Exodus 15:22). That would put anyone on edge. But when they finally found water – and then it was undrinkable – that tipped them over the edge. In the face of such a crisis they did what humans do best—they grumbled. And forgot. They forgot everything they witnessed regarding God’s sovereignty over Creation.
The people of God saw Him change water to blood. And part the sea for their grand exodus. On the banks of the Red Sea, they sang of the Lord’s might—just three days prior. There they stood, at the very place where God had led them—facing a watery test.
Moses prayed. He cried out to the Lord for help, and God provided a solution (Exodus 15:25).
The solution? Wood. Sounds preposterous. But it was God’s provision for reversal.
A piece of wood, and God’s gracious will, turned the bitter sweet.
The Lord led them . . . to a test. And Moses prayed.
This brings the Lord’s Prayer to my mind, where Jesus teaches His disciples to pray in this way: “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:13).
When the Lord brings you to a pivotal point of testing, pray. Pray for His deliverance from everything the evil one might use against you. Pray for protection from forces that will tempt you to sin. Pray that you won’t succumb. And pray for God’s provision to pass the test.
Be assured: God will not tempt you, but provide a way of escape. And the strength to endure.
Little did the people know that Elim, an oasis of blessing, was just on the other side of testing (Exodus 15:27).
Only God knows the blessing He has for you on the other side of what may now seem bitter. So, pray.
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