God will often test us to let us see what’s really in us. One way He does that is through withholding what we desperately need. He will at times, on purpose, not give us what we need in order to see what we are truly relying on.

God did this to the Israelites in the wilderness. In Numbers 21:16, God gives them water without even being asked. And the Israelites even sing about it: “Spring up, O Well! – Sing to it! – the well that the princes made, that the nobles of the people dug, with the scepter and with their staffs.”

But that makes you wonder why God hasn’t done that earlier? Earlier in their journey, soon after exodus, they complained about having no water and quarreled with Moses saying that they are going to die of thirst! (Ex. 17:3) God does give them water, but makes it known that they have failed the test and it became one of the reasons why they wandered in the desert for 40 years – ultimately because of their distrust!

What was God doing? Why did He withhold water which they desperately needed until they started complaining about it? God was eventually going to give them water. But He withheld it for a while to see how they would react.  But He didn’t do it for Him to see how they would react. He already knew. He did it so that THEY would see what was in themselves. Through this event, they should’ve seen that they didn’t believe God to be good and trustworthy.

How do you react when God doesn’t give you what you absolutely need? Is it 1) “I knew I should’ve taken it on my own hands and take care of it myself. So much for trusting God!” or 2) “God knows what I need. He will give it to me in due time and I will wait upon Him,”

The circumstance you are in is exactly where God wants you to be. (This brings so much peace to my heart…)

PH