I read a funny Arab quote today that said, “It is wise to bring some water, when one goes out to look for water.”  Isn’t that the truth!?  After contemplating desert existence last week, it got me thinking about the importance of water, figuratively, in my life.  No matter what causes the desert I’m in, whether it’s a financial loss, a troubled child, the separation of a friend, it doesn’t matter what the cause is, I’m always looking for a solution once I’m there.  Aren’t you?  We feel dry, parched, or worn out, and we go looking for water.

If I was going to bring water when I’m looking for water, I’d definitely bring my friend Susan.  She always texts me the nicest things.  Proverbs 25:25 describes it this way,
”Like a cool drink of water when you’re worn out and weary is a letter from a long-lost friend.”

Another thing I would bring is ice.  Oh my goodness, I LOVE ice!  My refrigerator stopped making it years ago, but I buy bags of it from the store every week.  When you travel overseas it’s next to impossible to get ice in a soda or tea or water.  Ice is American extravagance at it’s best!

But when you’re traveling through the desert, you don’t always get to bring a friend, and you don’t usually get to have luxuries like ice.

I have learned so much from studying the story Moses.  When he and all the children of Israel left Egypt, they watched God unleash His power and fury and let the seas swallow up their enemies.  It was a high day for them.  Then they started walking.  And walking.  And walking.  Looking for water.  They went one whole day.  Then two days.  Then three days.  Then, finally water was in sight.  They could see it.  They could feel it in the air. They came to a lovely spot marked by springs, and seventy palm trees.  They set up camp, ready to have a drink.  But they found out that water was bitter and undrinkable!

The people were fed up with following around behind Moses!  They said, “What are we to drink!”  It must’ve felt like torture to them.

God showed Moses a piece of wood and told him to throw it into the water to remedy the situation.  Moses must’ve thought God was off His rocker.  How ridiculous! But Moses eventually threw it into the water, the water became sweet, and they had a party!

We see it so often in our own lives, that God uses the ridiculous to teach us lessons in faith and obedience and trust.  Eventually, we too, find that a surrendered heart brings miracles into our lives.

Honestly, this is a timeless, abiding truth we MUST LEARN!  I even saw it on last night’s episode of The Biggest Loser.  When the contestants fight the trainer and complain and argue, they don’t meet their desired goals.  But wow! When they press in, do what is asked of them, even give a little more, the weight comes flying off.  It seems like they learn that lesson the longer they stay on the ranch.  Obedience=success.

I’ve been around long enough to know now, if I’m thirsty enough, I will do what it takes to obey God.