Volume 10, Issue 48: From Marah to Elim

A message from my church service a few Sundays ago impressed my heart enough to want to share it with you. Reverend Patrick Kuhio of CITAM church taught on overcoming disappointments from a story of when the children of Israel were travelling through the wilderness.

These folks travelled for three days through the wilderness without finding any water. They got to a place called Marah, but the water there was bitter. God pointed Moses to a stick of wood which he threw into the water and the water turned sweet.

The people then travelled on from Marah and arrived at a place called Elim where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees. They set up camp there by the water.

“Moses led Israel from the Red Sea on to the Wilderness of Shur. They traveled for three days through the wilderness without finding any water. They got to Marah, but they couldn’t drink the water at Marah; it was bitter. That’s why they called the place Marah (Bitter). And the people complained to Moses, “So what are we supposed to drink?” So Moses cried out in prayer to GOD. GOD pointed him to a stick of wood. Moses threw it into the water and the water turned sweet. They came to Elim where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees. They set up camp there by the water.” ‭‭Exodus‬ ‭15:22-25, 27‬ ‭MSG‬‬.

Life is full of sweet and bitter moments. My experiences have taught me that a crisis is nothing but an opportunity to encounter the faithfulness of God. Granted real life is bitter-sweet, but whether you camp at Marah or Elim is a personal choice.

For the children of Israel in this story, Marah was a place of temporary respite, while Elim was a place of rest and comfort. When going through troubles, remember that Elim is up the road. Don't stop at Marah, but instead keep moving, because Elim is up the road.

Every disappointment in life is an opportunity to experience God's faithfulness. The Calvary tree makes bitter waters sweet. Don't get stuck in Marah because God is faithfulness to get you to the other side of your trouble. Pass through Marah, but camp at Elim.

Inspired by a sermon by Reverend Patrick Kuchio - CITAM

For His Glory,

Lillian Chebosi