The Bitter Water of Marah Being Changed to Sweet Water
(Exod. 15:22~25)

The Israelites who came out of Egypt went into the Desert of Shur and traveled for three days without finding water. They found water when they came to Marah, but could not drink its water because it was bitter. So the people began to grumble against Moses. Then Moses cried out to God, and God showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became sweet. As we live our lives like the desert, we go through various sufferings.

1. Sufferings that we face in the world
1) A suffering of sin ? After Adam committed sin, all people live under sin. (Rom. 3:9)
2) A suffering of diseases ? All people go through sufferings because of diseases of their bodies and hearts. (Ps. 31:10)
3) A suffering of curses ? All people live through painful toil because the ground was cursed. (Gen. 3:17~19)
4) A suffering of death ? No one can avoid death because of sin. (Rom. 5:12)

2. The cross of Jesus
1) Just as the bitter water was changed to sweet water when a piece of wood that God showed was thrown into the bitter water of Marah, all the bitter water will turn sweet when Jesus comes into our life. (Exod. 15:25)
2) God is the one who forgives all our sins, heals all our diseases, gives us life, and satisfies us with good things. (Ps. 103:1~5)
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3. Oasis that the church provides
1) After passing through Marah, the Israelites came to Elim which was a beautiful place where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees. They camped there near the water, took a rest, and gained the breath of life. (Exod. 15:27)
2) The church is a place like an oasis. People who come to Jesus will receive living water that will never make them go thirsty. In addition, they can put down their weary and heavy burdens and enjoy a good rest given by the Lord. (John 7:37~39)

Conclusion
The Israelites faced various sufferings and hardships during their journey to the land of Canaan. However, God was with them and gave answers to all the problems. Even if our life may seem like a wild desert, we must never be discouraged or fall into despair. This is because God will be with us and guide us to an oasis like Elim.