Day 7.
Peace Maker
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22 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. 23 When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. (That is why the place is called Marah. 24 So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?”
25 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 fit to drink.
There the Lord issued a ruling and instruction for them and put them to the test. 26 He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.”
27 Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there near the water.
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Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
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12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.
It’s only a few days after Israel has seen the miraculous deliverance of God, and they are already grumbling. They camp at a place with bitter waters, they call “bitterness” - Marah.
When people in your life do not measure up to expectations, it’s important that you don’t camp at the bitter waters. It’s up to you to call on the LORD and ask for the remedy.
Often peace-making is avoided in preference for peace-keeping. Peace-making actually goes beyond pleasantries and requires a heart-to-heart conversation.
Making peace with people is critical to “moving on” to a better dwelling place like Elim.
Following through on this one step, will release unprecedented healing and freedom in your life.
Write:
Who am I avoiding, or who do I have unresolved issues with? Who has hurt me that I wish would apologise?
Who have I upset, miscommunicated with, or projected unrealistic expectations on?
Pray:
Ask God to help you to forgive each of the people who has upset you. Picture the peace of God resting on you and the person you are forgiving as you do this. Do this every day for the next week!
Pray again: Now ask God to remind you of anyone who you may accidentally offended and ask him for the remedy. Pray for the same peace to rest on them.
Take Action:
Make a time to make peace with those you have hurt and those who have hurt you. It may be a simple text message, letter, email or phone call.
The best way is to meet in person.
