Abundant Waters

<p>In Australia, a report outlined &ldquo;a grim story&rdquo; of extreme drought, heat, and fire. The account described a horrific year with only minuscule rainfall, turning parched brush into tinder. Raging fires torched the countryside. Fish died. Crops failed. All because they didn&rsquo;t have a simple resource we often take for granted&mdash;this supply we all need in order to live: water.</p> <p>Israel found itself in its own terrifying dilemma. As the people camped in the dusty, barren desert, we read this alarming line: &ldquo;There was no water for the people to drink&rdquo; (Exodus 17:1). The people were afraid. Their throats were dry. The sand sizzled. Their children suffered thirst. Terrified, the people &ldquo;quarreled with Moses,&rdquo; demanding water (v. 2). But what could Moses do? He could only go to God.</p> <p>And God gave Moses odd instructions: &ldquo;Take . . . the staff [and] strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink&rdquo; (vv. 5&ndash;6). So Moses hit the rock, and out gushed a river, plenty for the people and their cattle. That day, Israel knew that their God loved them. Their God provided abundant water.</p> <p>If you&rsquo;re experiencing a drought or wilderness in life, know that God is aware of it and He&rsquo;s with you. Whatever your need, whatever your lack, may you find hope and refreshment in His abundant waters.</p>