It is often said that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. This suggests that we respond to life’s challenges with action. Or, it could also mean that when life hits hardest, we crumble. Whichever the meaning, I wish to reiterate that as believers, we have one other option, which is prayer. That’s a key lesson from Moses’ Wilderness Wanderings with the House of Israel. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat.
Exodus 17:2, 4 AFV
[2] And the people argued with Moses and said, “Give us water that we may drink.” And Moses said to them, “Why do you argue with me? Why do you tempt the Lord?”
[4] And Moses cried to the Lord, saying, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me!”
He cried to God
The psalms are known as the prayer book of the Israelites. We often think that they were the only critical prayers in the Hebrew Scriptures, or that David was the only one to have an ordinary, consistent prayer life. On the contrary, we know that Abram, later called Abraham, walked closely with God. That walk was emulated by Isaac and Jacob, his son and grandson. Moses seems to have inherited that relationship, despite being raised by Egyptians. Of course, his could have been forged in the flames of the burning bush, or on the plains by Horeb.
Regardless of the genesis of their relationship, Moses knew he could speak to God about everything. So, when the going got tough, Moses spoke to YHWH.
Self-check
Where have we turned in recent times when the going got tough?
Deeper Dive
In that moment, with the House of Israel pressuring him for water, Moses wasn’t following the blueprint for worship life. He went directly to the One Who called him to the task. His plea was direct and passionate. In fact, we could say that he was also complaining about the people. More than that, Moses asked for direction on how to deal with the crisis at hand.
Siblings, this has to be our first point of call. When life gets lifing, who is better for us to consult than God? No one. Even if we need to speak with humans afterwards, seeking God’s input ought to precede human wisdom. Can you imagine how much seeking God’s will could change our perspective, especially when we approach God the way Bartimeus did?
So, let us approach God’s Throne of Grace boldly in the face of difficult decisions and situations, realising that God continues to work all things for good. It will keep us from making hasty decisions, and prevent us from going against God’s will.
Point to Ponder
When the going gets tough, let’s take a moment to determine what we’d like to share with Y’shua. Having done so, we can go to God with the confidence of one who has a good relationship with God, and expect an answer.
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May all we seek be found in Christ
