Don’t Complain

Don’t Complain

Q: What did God have Moses do to make the water drinkable?

• a. add sugar
• b. boil it
• c. throw a piece of wood into it

The Israelites were complainers. You’d think they’d lived a grand life in Egypt the way they complained about having to leave it. When the 600 chariots were chasing them, they grumbled and complained to Moses (see Exodus 14:10-12). God miraculously delivered them, but now, only a short while later, they were complaining again.

The Israelites had traveled three days in the desert without finding water. Finally they reached Marah, where there was water, but they were dismayed to find it was too bitter to drink. Instead of turning to God, they grumbled at Moses because there wasn’t drinkable water.

Moses asked God what to do, and the Lord showed him a piece of wood. When Moses threw it into the water, the water became sweet. God had met the Israelites’ needs again.

As you read about the Israelites, one thing you’ll notice is any time something went wrong, they forgot about God’s previous miracles and provisions for them. Instead of asking him for help, they would complain. How much better it would have been if they’d remembered to turn to God first and ask him for help. Are you like the Israelites, or do you look to God to meet your needs?

For You

When things go wrong in your life, look to God. Feeling sorry for yourself will make you a complainer like the Israelites. Instead, be like Moses and turn to God for the answers.

Answer: c

Moses cried out to the LORD for help, and the LORD showed him a piece of wood. Moses threw it into the water, and this made the water good to drink.   Exodus 15:25

(The Whole Story: Exodus 15:22-27)