Sermon Notes from Exodus 17:1-7

Taking something negative and turning it into something positive

Half Empty

When the Israelites complained to Moses that they had no water to drink, they backed him into a corner.

Although they had been helped before with water, bread and protection from the Egyptians they still had a negative attitude.

They failed to make the connection that God would help them now, just as He had in the past.

One wonders whether they actually liked being enslaved to a crisis.

The wilderness they were in was not just a place but a state of mind.

Half Full

It is human nature to question God’s presence when things go wrong.

When we are able to perceive a situation in a positive way rather then negative, God becomes more real to us and life is not so overwhelming.

One person rejoices, “What a beautiful day, the sun Is shining” while another says, “It’s chilly, I wish it were warmer.”

We live in a society that has taught us to be self-sufficient and independent and that we can get along with out anyone’s help.

God has designed us to need help, but merely asking for help does not get us off the hook, we have to act.

I know there is a God but I sometimes fail to acknowledge that until I humble myself and ask for His assistance.

God wants us to have a positive attitude because then and only then do we have faith.

God constantly pours His grace upon us even when we least expect it.