PODCAST
When Faith Fails
June 30th, 2014
Exodus 17:1-7
The Israelites had a big problem: lots of desert but no water to be found, hordes of people plus livestock, bad reports from the water scouts, no streams; no river; not even an oasis. They had parched lips and swelling tongues; survival seemed doubtful. And, the people complained. Oh, how they complained! They yelled at Moses, their leader, and probably even cursed him.
Their real problem: Lack of faith? Maybe—God had never failed them; why doubt Him now! Entitlement mentality? Perhaps—they had easy manna and plenty of quail. Or did the people have a legitimate complaint against God? After all, He led them here; He was responsible for the mess they were in. So, they “put God to the test” (v. 2). Many Bible characters did. Remember Gideon? David’s psalms are filled with complaints and challenges. Malachi 3:10 says it’s okay to test God. It’s not necessarily a failure of faith.
Here’s the underlying problem: a wrong reason for the test. Test God if you must. Just don’t give up on Him. He never gives up on you!
Author: Wil Watson
