Israel’s Reality

In Exodus 17:1-7, the Israelites find themselves in Horeb, a barren and dry desert, on their journey to Rephidim—a place they expected to provide water and rest. Instead, they are met with the harsh reality of thirst, an immediate and pressing need that clouds their faith.

Proverbs 13:12 tells us, “Hope delayed makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” Have you ever been there? When expectations crumble, faith is tested.

Rather than recalling God’s past faithfulness, the Israelites let doubt take root. Under the stress of lack, they asked, “Is the Lord among us?”—questioning His presence, love, and care.

As G. Campbell Morgan put it, “Under the stress of immediate lack, they doubted the one fact of which they had overwhelming evidence.” Their murmuring reflected a frame of mind that believed God was insufficient in difficulties. Their faith wavered, but God remained steadfast.

Being new in their spiritual journey, God showed them mercy and grace, supplying their need—water from the rock (Exodus 17:6). Isaiah 43:19-20 echoes this provision: “Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.”

Christ Interjected into Reality

Revelation of Divine Grace

Man’s necessities become God’s opportunities. In this passage, God provides water, restoring hope.

• The Rod—God’s Power and Authority: Often used in judgment.
• God’s Presence on the Rock: God stations Himself on the rock, making Himself vulnerable.
• The Rock is Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4): The striking of the rock foreshadows Christ being struck for our salvation.
• Living Water: From the rock flows life-giving water, just as Christ offers living water through the Holy Spirit.

As the hymn says:

“Let the water and the blood From thy riven side which flowed Be of sin a double cure Save me from its wrath and power”

The striking of the rock symbolizes how God satisfied His justice by taking upon Himself the wrath meant for us.

A Reality for You

Troubles are real, and often God leads us to them—not to break us, but to build us. When faced with difficulties, you have two choices:

• Trust His Word—an act of faith.
• Doubt His Promises—an act of immaturity.

Trials might even lead you to question God’s very existence. Yet, this is the moment to embrace your Rephidim (resting place) and reject Massah and Meribah (places of testing and contention).

James 1:2 reminds us: “Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials.” Trials test faith, producing patience and equipping you for the future. Like Moses, seek God in the struggle.

Lessons from the “Between” Moments

1. When you can’t see Him in the moment, remember His past faithfulness.“We must fall back on all that God has been to us, and insist that He is still all that He was.” – F.B. Meyer
2. Seek the Lord in difficulty instead of responding in the flesh.“Does God intentionally lead His children along the pathway strewn with sorrow and difficulty? Yes, He very often does.”
3. The danger of relaxing your faith.“When you relax your faith, you are on an ocean without chart or compass.” – Meyer Never say, “Is God?” but instead declare, “God is.” Those who seek Him will find Him.
4. Expect trials when following God.
   Those whom God uses greatly must endure hardships.“Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you… Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of Christ.” – 1 Peter 4:12-14
5. Your need is an opportunity for God to work. When God leads you to a place of need, He is positioning you to experience His grace. His presence brings miracles—remarkable, generous, and meaningful.“For they drank from the spiritual rock that followed them, and that rock was Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 10:4

Final Thoughts

Your Rephidim is a place of testing, but it is also a place of divine provision. When you face trials, trust that God is present. Let the water from the rock remind you that Christ is interjected into your reality, bringing life and hope.