“If you will diligently listen to the voice of the LORD your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, your healer.” (Exodus 15:26).

For three days they had to wander around the wilderness of Shur looking for water, and finally what they found was bitter, undrinkable. The excitement over crossing the Red Sea and seeing their enemy drown and wash away downstream was over as they grumbled against Moses.

As Moses cried to the Lord for help, the Lord showed him a log that turned the bitter water into sweet water, making everyone happy.

This first miracle on their journey through the wilderness was only an object lesson to teach them that the Lord can turn every bitter experience to memorable, sweet experience.

This was an occasion to teach them another important lesson that their deliverer is their healer too. In the Old Testament, the word for healing has a wide range of meanings covering physical, mental, and spiritual. God’s claim that “I am the LORD, your healer” ensures the total well-being of the person.

After this episode of Marah (bitterness) they moved on to find plenty of food and water at Elim. God not only turned their adversities to their advantage but lead them on to plenty.

Every adversity is God’s opportunity to prove his power and his care for us. There may be bitter situations, but we must believe that the Lord will show us the log that turns bitter to sweet.

Read: Exodus 15:15—27.

Prayer: Lord, you care to turn adversities to our advantage. Give me grace to navigate through difficulties hoping that you are leading me to pleasant pastures.