A shortage of bread, a shortage of meat and now most important of all, a shortage of water. Exodus 17:1 But the Israelites had another shortage, a shortage of memory. The lack of bread had been solved by God by the provision of manna, the meat shortage had resulted in quail, another provision from God, but now at Rephidim there was no water. The Israelites were having a tough time of it. A trust in God would have saved them so much heart-ache.
In verse, 4 of Exodus 17, Moses is in despair, ‘What am I to do with these people? They are about to stone me.’ As in the past God has the answer. ‘Strike the rock and the water will come out of it for the people to drink.’ verse 6.
Unlike the Israelites, God is consistent and faithful. Consider the hymn ; ‘How firm a foundation, You saints of the Lord’ by Robert Keen.
‘Fear not, I am with you, oh be not dismayed. For I am your God and will still give you aid.’
God has never let us down. Why do we worry about Him failing now? He is true to His promises. He has promised to care for us, to guide us and protect us. Worry is unwarranted. He cannot fail us. Look at all the evidence we have in the Bible – David, Elijah, Gideon, Paul, the apostles. Those listed in Hebrews 11 all put their trust in God, He is ever faithful.