I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. And he called the place Massah[a] and Meribah[b] because the Israelites quarreled and because they tested the Lord saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?” Exodus 17:6-7 (NIV)
Leading people to the places God has called them to be is never an easy task. Whether you are the pastor, ministry leader, CEO, head of the family, etc., anytime you have the assignment of leading people there’s always some caveats that come with it. How many times have you endured the pressure of being the lead person? Be the one to make the major decisions? What about the pressure of enduring the complaints of the people while attempting to lead them? The children of Israel are now camped at Rephidim, and they complain that there is no water to drink. You’d think that at this point they would have Trusted the Process, but unfortunately, they constantly found themselves wavering. Now, quarreling amongst themselves about thirst in the place God has led them to. A major part of leadership is not allowing the voice of followers to become the guiding voice. What voice is the dominant voice in your life?
The children of Israel complained about their thirst and God instructs Moses to strike the rock and water comes out of the rock. God provides again as a reminder to them I got you, but also proves to them I am among you. Whenever you find yourself questioning if God is among you, it leads to thinking that God has left. One thing we must never forget is that God keeps promises, “it is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:8). Regardless of what may be lacking in our lives we must trust that God got us. One of the reasons God allows us to be tested is to measure our level of trust. Do you trust that regardless of your present predicament, God has you covered? Our daily song should be:
I will trust in the Lord, I will trust in the Lord, I will trust in the Lord till I die.