Exodus 15:22

So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water.

This week’s PGA Tour event is being played at Quail Hollow Country Club just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. As is the norm recently, the course has a trendy name for the stretch of its most difficult holes. The difficult holes of 16, 17, and 18 are affectionately called “The Green Mile” in reference to the popular movie. Precision, power, and a bit of luck is required to successfully navigate your way to the clubhouse because of the length, bunker placements and super fast greens. Success, however, is a relative term for “The Green Mile.” Rick Bonnell from the Charlotte Observer wrote an article about these closing three holes this week and it was entitled, “The place at Quail Hollow where birdies go to die and par is king.” We all have these rough stretches of life where we feel like the circumstances are impossible. Sometimes we are able to anticipate trouble ahead, but many times we are confronted with an unexpected trial or difficulty. In the highlighted scripture, the Israelites made it through the Red Sea safely, found themselves in the wilderness and after three days they were without water. Isn’t this how it happens to us? We make it through a seemingly insurmountable physical or mental test, then find ourselves dehydrated from the journey. In our weaknesses, we feel the most vulnerable. When we are vulnerable, we are most susceptible to succumbing to sinful means or desires. The Israelites made their way to Marah and found water, but ironically they could not drink it because of its bitterness. The people murmured to Moses who called upon the Lord who showed him a tree. When it was cast into the water, the water was instantly made sweet. The Lord promised the people He would heal them, give them safety and provision contingent upon their obedience. God uses our circumstances to show His power to not only allow us to survive, but also to thrive. The water could have been made neutral, but instead God made it sweet and even more appetizing to the taste of His people. Jesus was tempted in every way of man. When He went to the wilderness, the devil tried Him with the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. His victory over all three temptations gives us the strength, power and provision to turn bitter waters sweet. Not only can we make pars, but with His strength and power of the blood there will be a few “birdies in life” along the way!