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From Bitter To Sweet
Exodus
15:22-27
The Lord showed him a tree. When he cast it into
the waters, the waters were made sweet.(Exodus 15:25)
Joy and sorrow are often
close companions. Just as the Israelites went from the thrill of victory
at the Red Sea to the bitter waters of Marah just 3 days later (Exodus
15:22-23), our rejoicing can quickly turn into anguish.
At Marah, the Lord told
Moses to throw a tree into the water, which made it “sweet” and drinkable
(v.25). Another “tree,” when “cast into” the bitter circumstances of our
lives, can make them sweet. It is the cross of Jesus (1 Peter 2:24). Our
outlook will be transformed as we contemplate His sacrificial death and
His submission to the will of God (Luke 22:42).
Our pain may come from the
ill-will of others, or worse, from their neglect. Nevertheless, our Lord
has permitted it. We may not understand why, yet it is the will of our
Father and Friend, whose wisdom and love are infinite.
When we say yes to God as
His Spirit reveals His will to us through His Word, the bitter
circumstances of our lives can become sweet. We must not grumble against
what the Lord permits. Instead, we must do all that He asks us to do.
Jesus said that we are to take up our cross daily and follow Him (Luke
9:23).
When we remember Jesus’
cross and submit to the Father as He did, bitter experiences can become
sweet.
PRAYER
Dear Lord, I've not always understood, what plan
You have for me;yet I will glory in Your cross and bear mine
patiently.Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
God uses our difficulties to make us better—not
bitter.
Christian Education Forum,
Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church
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