4 Then Moses cried out to the Lord, “What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.” (Exodus 17:4, NIV)
When we find ourselves between a rock and a hard place, what do we do?
A million people were crying out for water, and they were ready to take revenge on Moses for putting them too far from the Nile and other water sources, all because of the “promised” land!
What did Moses do? He cried out to God, and God showed Moses what to do. God did the impossible. He produced water from a rock. God may very well provide something we never thought of, out of a rock!
PRAYER
Rock of Salvation! You provided water from a rock for Your Israel. That was the easiest well digging ever! Just as you provided water from an unlikely place for us in Uganda [link or video], please provide water from unlikely places again.
ACTION STEP
What rock and hard place are you between right now? When we are in these places, we can choose to see God’s provision or we can ignore what’s happening to us. What is God asking you to do? What rocks need striking? What wells need drilled? What’s wrong in the world that needs to be struck with passion and the staff of God and His people?
Greg Taylor
Greg Taylor preaches for The Journey. Greg’s wife, Jill, teaches math at Broken Arrow High School and Tulsa Community College. Greg and Jill have three adult children, Ashley, Anna, and Jacob. Greg is the author of many books, including his latest co-authored with Randy Harris, Daring Faith: Meeting Jesus in the Book of John.
Greg Taylor’s post has really moved me. My name is John Dickmann and I am 70. This blog is meant to encourage young and old and I promise to share a blessing I received on Sunday, March 12, 11:07 A.M at St. John’s Hospital, Tulsa, OK 10th floor. My comment is written in two parts. The first part is written to young people second part to older folks.Younger FolksMy prayer for you is that you will slow your fast moving life pace down so you are able to build those relationships built on openness and trust that Greg Taylor wrote about. During my 70 year life journey, God has blessed me with many special relationships (mentors) where I received advice that was given in a gentle manner. I could have missed those blessings had I not been willing to slow down and make the time to receive them. There are many wise people who enjoy sharing their wisdom and are not offended if you don’t rapidly accept their advice. They will never tire of listening, encouraging, hanging in there with you and loving you. Once, I counted the people who made this commitment and I was amazed at the number when I finished my list. The list included over 40 people.I want to share a blessing I received from a dying man a blessing I almost did not get. My next door neighbor Jim–who was hospitalized–called one Saturday morning totally confused. From his voice I could tell he was anxious, confused and fearful. I was in the middle of a house painting project and almost didn’t go. I went and spent the weekend with him. During that time I told him I was going to be like a bad penny and keep coming back until he came home. Jim looked me straight in the eye and said, “I don’t think there is any bad in you.” People had been telling me for 69 years I am good person but I didn’t believe it I can still see him lying there—life slowly leaving his earthly body. That day I heard Jim’s message and for the first time in my life believed I was a good person. I had two choices to make the day of Jim’s frantic call. One choice was to stay home the other was to go. If I had stayed home I would have never received a dying man’s blessing. I truly believe God knew that I would believe and feel in my heart what Jim had to say—so Jim was the mouth of God delivering a message I needed to hear one more time—but God new I would not only hear it but BELIEVE it. I don’t have the words to adequately express the peace, joy and comfort I have today. Jim’s words from God freed me! What a GIFT! Jim, thank you—I will be a better person because of your heart felt gentle words. Thank you dear friend—I miss you!My prayer for you is that when the Lord puts those special people in your life that you will make time for them and that as you look back on your life you will be able to see how those blessings changed your life. I pray you will open your arms and say YES LORD! Amen.Older FolksSince I am in this category, I feel qualified to write about us. I believe that Exodus 18–Read Exodus 18 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+18%3A1-12&version=NLT teaches that those of us in our generation have a responsibility to pass on the wisdom we gained by walking a longer path of life. However, I think before we can pass on our wisdom we must first take time to build a relationship. My experience has taught me seven things. First, as we develop this relationship questions automatically come. Second, they want us to show an interest in them—asking them questions etc. Third, people who trust us want us to share the joys of our journey but also they want to hear the pitfalls. Fourth, just because the listener may not immediately change course DOES NOT mean they aren’t listening. Fifth, don’t become discouraged—loved them anyway. Sixth, we may have to initiate these times together. Seventh, ask them how you can pray for them—then pray for them. My experience has taught me as I invest in others humbly spreading mercy, kindness, gentleness and patience, the Lord blesses me with joy and peace. Is there a better investment of our time? I don’t think so!I pray that our unselfish gift of time gives our ever present Lord opportunities to bless them. Amen!