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, health, 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 rd 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. 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. Exodus 15: 25
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
