Text: Exodus 15:25 (NIV)
“Then Moses cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became fit to drink. There the Lord issued a ruling and instruction for them and put them to the test.”

Life often presents us with bitter experiences—moments when we face unexpected hardships, uncertainties, and overwhelming challenges. Just like the Israelites who journeyed through the wilderness, we too find ourselves confronted by “bitter waters” that seem impossible to swallow. In Exodus 15:25, after days of thirst and desperation, the Israelites reached Marah only to discover that the waters were too bitter to drink. This disappointment could have led to despair, but instead, Moses turned to the Lord, and through divine intervention, the bitter waters were made sweet.

This passage teaches us several important lessons for navigating the bitter moments of life.

1. Cry Out to the Lord in Times of Bitterness

Moses didn’t rely on his strength or wisdom when faced with the problem of bitter water. He cried out to the Lord in prayer. We, too, must learn to call upon God in times of bitterness, hardship, and frustration. It is in these moments that God wants us to turn our burdens over to Him. His ears are open to our cries, and His power is always at work.

Psalm 34:17 reminds us: “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles.”

When life’s circumstances seem unbearable, cry out to the One who can transform bitter situations into sweet testimonies.

2. God Provides Solutions We Cannot See

In response to Moses’ prayer, the Lord showed him a piece of wood and instructed him to throw it into the water. Miraculously, the water became drinkable. The lesson here is clear—God often provides solutions in ways we least expect. The piece of wood was a symbol of God’s supernatural intervention, reminding us that what is impossible with man is possible with God (Luke 18:27).

No matter how bitter or hopeless our circumstances may seem, God has a solution prepared for us. He sees beyond our present struggles and has the power to make all things new (Revelation 21:5).

3. Bitterness is a Test of Faith

The bitter waters at Marah were a test of the Israelites’ faith and obedience. God used this experience to instruct them on the importance of trust and reliance on Him. Sometimes, God allows us to encounter bitterness in life to test our faith and refine our hearts. It is in these moments of testing that we grow in spiritual maturity and deepen our dependence on God.

James 1:3-4 encourages us: “The testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Bitterness is not meant to break us, but to build our faith, and to bring us closer to God’s heart.

4. God is Our Healer

After transforming the bitter waters, God revealed Himself to the Israelites as Jehovah Rapha—”The Lord who heals.” God’s healing touch is not limited to physical ailments but extends to our emotional and spiritual pain as well. Whether it’s the bitterness of disappointment, loss, or broken relationships, God is ready to heal and restore.

In Christ, the ultimate healing has been made available to all who believe. Just as the wood thrown into the waters of Marah made them sweet, the cross of Christ transforms the bitterness of sin and suffering into the sweetness of redemption and hope.

Conclusion:

The story of Marah teaches us that while life will have its share of bitter moments, God’s grace is always available to turn those moments into opportunities for healing and restoration. When we cry out to Him in faith, He hears us, provides the solution we need, and strengthens us through the test.

As we journey through the wilderness of life, let us remember that God is Jehovah Rapha, the One who heals and restores. He has the power to turn our bitterness into sweetness, and our sorrows into joy.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for being our healer and our ever-present help in times of trouble. Just as You turned the bitter waters at Marah into sweet waters, we ask that You turn the bitter situations in our lives into testimonies of Your grace. Help us to trust You in every season of life, knowing that You work all things for our good. We declare that You are Jehovah Rapha, our Healer, and we surrender all our pain and bitterness to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

©️James Ola Emiola-Dakobiri FIIM
Founder and Chairman,
Suicide Prevention and Depression Support Foundation
✍🏽james@spdsfoundation.org
☎️773-344-6313