Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they went into the Desert of Shur . For three days they traveled in the desert without finding water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter.. (That is why the place is called Marah. ) So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, "What are we to drink?" 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 sweet.



Remember God's promise



God promised us that He would be with us always, that He would strengthen us to get us through the problems we face in our daily life



His miracle fruit



Pastor spoke this weekend about a “miracle fruit” that when dissolved on your tongue, turns all foods sweet in your mouth. Lemons are made to taste like lemonade. Even vinegar tastes sweet when you first take the "miracle fruit."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miracle_fruit



Jesus (Our miracle fruit ) changes the way we experience life's bitterness.



He takes our bitterness upon himself, strengthening us so that grief can become joy; difficulty can become opportunity; doubt can become faith.



The “fruits” of “The Miracle Fruit” are these:



love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control



We will all face trying times in our life, but, as God promised us – we have Jesus' strength to see us through.



Just as God led the Israelites out of slavery and bondage – so too, He leads us out of the sting of sin, guilt, and the lure of temptation by His marvelous grace.



Sometimes it may seem like God does not know what he is doing. That is certainly what the Israelites thought after being led out of slavery, and wandering three days in the desert without water, only to find bitter, undrinkable water. But God knew exactly what He was doing, as He showed when He changed the bitter water into sweet water.



Through Jesus, He does the same for us, taking what is bitter in our life, and making it sweet.



When we face trying times in life, instead of becoming anxious or afraid of the unknown and uncertain future - remember God’s promise.



Remember all that God has done for us through Jesus Christ: how awesome is God's love for us in that He entered our world and willingly paid the penalty for our sin, taking our bitterness / our sin upon himself on the wooden cross of Calvary and assuring us of our salvation! It is that wooden cross that set us free from the fear of death and turns the bitter water of our sin and death into the sweetness of eternal life. New Life given to us in the sweet waters of our Baptism into Christ's death and resurrection.



We no longer need to fear the uncertain future. We know our future - we will be with Him for all eternity!



Because of the gift of our salvation through Christ - we can live a life filled with growing meaning and purpose in the fullness of God's grace, using His fruits in our relationships with others: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness faithfulness gentleness and self control, and as we use them the bitterness of life will be richer, healthier, sweeter and cause us to grow in our faith and service.



AMEN