A River Runs Through It Sample

Not all vacations or trips result in a sense of refreshment and relaxation, but in the end, they are full of joy and so memorable. Most family road trips, particularly those with small children, demand an immense amount of planning and preparation. But regardless of the strategy, they contain frequent bathroom breaks, arguing over water bottles and snacks, grumbling or complaining about the arrival time, and the testing of parents. There are so many reasons to stop along the way, but so many more reasons to push through! In Exodus 17, the Children of Israel travel through regions where there wasn't water and complained against Moses, arguing about whether the Lord was with them or not. In a place where refreshment wasn’t readily available, they quarreled with Moses and tested the Lord. The people of Israel had seen God demonstrate His power and provision by parting the waters out of Egypt, showering manna from heaven, and turning bitter waters to sweet waters; still they questioned whether the Lord was with them and grumbled against Moses. We all have times of testing, but we must remember where we’ve come from and what we’ve seen God do along the way. Push through! QUESTIONS Have you had recent moments when you wondered whether God was still with you and for you? Moments when you wanted to stop trusting Him, but pushed through? Take some time to reflect on God's miracles that you’ve personally experienced in your life and remind yourself that God loves you and is with you.