- Exodus 15:22-27
The
passage in Exodus
15 (see Tuesday devotional for scripture) shares the story of how
quickly life can turn from victory to disappointment and discouragement. FAILURE - What was once your greatest joy and
refreshment becomes your bitterness...job, family, friends, spouse, church…we
are not deeply affected by things we do not care about.
We Defend Against
Discouragement By Remembering...
· The Greatest
Successes Of Life Are Often Followed By Failure. v.22-23
· The Greatest
Services Of Life Are Often Followed By Forgetfulness. v.1-21,24
In Exodus 15:1-21 the people sing a hymn of
praise concerning the power and provision of God. IT'S ONE THING TO SING A SONG...IT'S ANOTHER
TO LIVE A LIFE. Exodus 15:24
says, So the people grumbled at Moses, saying,
"What shall we drink?" Who
were they really complaining and displeasured by? God.
People forget the power and provision of the Lord so
fast. Mark 6: 52 speaks of
the disciples when they "forgot the
lesson of the loaves and their hearts were hardened." We
make the same mistakes repeatedly. We need to be taught the same lessons over
again.
People forget their leaders
so fast as well. Don’t get
discouraged! If people will murmur
against God we need to be sure that they have no problem murmuring against men. What do we do when we think our services are
forgotten?
· Don't take it personally - We are ambassadors.
· Don't take it out on those you serve.
· Take it to the Lord.
Exodus
15: 25 Then he (Moses) cried out to the
LORD, and the LORD showed him a tree; and he threw it into the waters, and the
waters became sweet.
It not so important that people remember but that GOD
remembers our service.
· The Greatest
Shortages In Life Are Always Followed By Fullness. v.27
They came to Elim and found 12 wells of water (which was one
per tribe) and 70 palm trees (one per judge).
Remember the Loaves and the Fishes!
Mark 6 shows us there were 12 baskets full remaining for each disciple
to be reminded of God's ability. In our
lives we have seen the drought turn to plenty so often that we are ashamed of
the times we have cried in our want and lack of faith.
Scripture to Claim
Have I not commanded you?
Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God
is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
