Exodus 17:5-7 God said to Moses, “Go on out ahead of the people, taking with you some of the elders of Israel. Take the staff you used to strike the Nile. And go. I’m going to be present before you there on the rock at Horeb. You are to strike the rock. Water will gush out of it and the people will drink.” Moses did what he said, with the elders of Israel right there watching.

God set the table for His people. In the morning, there was manna on the table, and in the evening, they stood around the braai fires. But then the next challenge knocked on their door: no water.

As soon as the Israelites faced a challenge, they became upset. They went on the attack – suddenly, the freedom in the desert wasn’t good enough. They felt as if they were in prison and longed for the old slavery.

We want to roll our eyes at the rebellious, disobedient Israelites who couldn’t see all that God had already done for them. They were focused on their circumstances rather than looking at the bigger picture. Their faith was like a thin thread that wasn’t strong enough to bear reality and broke easily.

Little did they know, the empty wells were a test. And they failed the test completely.

Sometimes our faith is tested in the desert. That is what happens in an intimate relationship. Sometimes challenges come knocking unannounced. Things we didn’t ask for and for which we have no solutions.

I don’t believe God sends challenges merely to cause us difficulty; rather, I know He uses them to shape us and to ensure our faith remains steadfast.

We need to learn from the Israelites’ mistakes. Don’t fixate on the challenges; Instead, look at all that God has already done in your life over the years. Build your faith on what God has already done for you. And I think remembering Jesus on the cross is more than enough in every challenge. And knowing that God will show up, because His love is great. It never stops.

So, when the front doorbell rings again, open it with authority and say: “My God loves me so much that He erased the biggest challenge in my life on a cross, so I am not afraid of you. I believe in my God!”

Prayer
Father, thank you for all Your love! You are my Saviour. Any challenge that might appear is nothing to You …

Questions
Where do I focus first when a problem arises, on the problem or on God?
What previous “dry place” in my life has God changed?
Do I believe that God can use even this challenge to strengthen my faith?

Do this now
Think of a current challenge that is making you anxious and write it down in one sentence.
Next to it, write down three things that God has already done in your life and use them as your faith builders.
Say out loud over your situation today: “My God is greater than this,” and take one small practical step forward in confidence.