Introduction

Lesson 7 takes us into the heart of Israel’s wilderness journey, where God faithfully provided for His people despite their weaknesses and unbelief. Water, bread, and even meat became signs of His power and love. Each event—from the bitter waters at Marah, to the manna, to the water from the rock—contains spiritual lessons for us today. God wanted Israel to learn that true life depends not only on material provision, but on connection with Him. Even through rebukes and tests, He was preparing them for trust, obedience, and gratitude. These experiences are prophetic pointers to Jesus Christ, our true “Bread of Life” and “Living Water.”

THE SECOND BOOK OF MOSES
Lesson 7 : The Bread and Water of Life

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7.1 Bitter Waters
From Bitter Waters to Sweet Trust

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Introduction

The story of the bitter water at Marah is more than an account from the distant past. It is a mirror of our own journey of faith. Israel had just witnessed God’s supernatural intervention—the Red Sea parted, they walked through, and their enemies were destroyed. Yet only three days later, their faith began to waver. This teaches us that our trust in God is often tested in everyday life, not only in spectacular moments.

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Bible Study

1.Historical and Geographical Background

After the triumphant crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14–15:21), the people of Israel stood at the beginning of their wilderness journey. The euphoria of victory quickly faded as the reality of the hot, dry desert set in. From the shore of the Sea of Reeds, God led them through the wilderness of Shur (Exodus 15:22)—a region of sparse vegetation, blazing sun, and few natural water sources. Daytime temperatures could exceed 40°C (104°F). Three days without water here was a matter of life and death.

2.The Crisis at Marah

When they finally came to water, joy surged—only to vanish quickly. The water was “Marah”—bitter, undrinkable, likely due to mineral contamination or high levels of sulfur and salt. Physical disappointment became a spiritual test: would the people trust God’s past guidance or give in to fear and grumbling? Sadly, they chose the latter (Exodus 15:24).

3.The People’s Reaction and Moses’ Role

The people complained to Moses instead of turning to God. This reveals a pattern: rather than praying, they sought a human “culprit.” Moses responded differently—he cried out to God (Exodus 15:25). God showed him a piece of wood to throw into the water, and immediately the water became drinkable.

4.The Spiritual Meaning of the Wood

The wood had no magical power. It was a sign: God can turn bitterness into sweetness. Many see here a foreshadowing of the cross of Christ—where God took the bitterest thing (sin, death) and turned it into the sweetest (salvation, eternal life).

5.God’s Lesson and Covenant

At Marah, God gave a lesson in trust and obedience: “If you listen carefully to the LORD your God… I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians” (Exodus 15:26). This reaffirmed the covenant: health, protection, and blessing depended on faithfulness. God revealed Himself as “the LORD, your healer” (Yahweh-Rapha).

6.From Testing to Refreshment

After Marah, God led them to Elim (Exodus 15:27)—an oasis with twelve springs and seventy palm trees. The message: beyond the test lies refreshment. But Elim comes after Marah; the road to abundance often passes through the valley of testing.

7.Practical Lessons for Today

• God often tests our faith in the area of our most urgent needs.

• Remembering past miracles should strengthen trust, not fade away.

• Bitter experiences can become sweet blessings when we let God act.

• Obedience is the key to protection and healing.

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Answers to the Questions

Question 1: Read Exodus 15:22–27. What was the background for the first miracle after the crossing of the Red Sea?

After the great victory at the Red Sea, God led Israel into the wilderness of Shur. There began three difficult days without drinking water. The people were physically exhausted, emotionally strained, and likely dehydrated. When they finally found water, it was bitter and undrinkable. The place was named “Marah.”

This situation was no accident—it was a divinely allowed first test of faith following their deliverance. God wanted to see whether they would trust in His past faithfulness or fall back into fear and grumbling. Sadly, they chose the latter, accusing Moses. Moses, however, responded in faith: he prayed to God and followed His instruction to throw a piece of wood into the water. God transformed the water, proving that He is the source of provision even in the harshest circumstances.

This miracle revealed God’s patience, power, and willingness to help, even when His people were unbelieving. At the same time, it was a lesson in obedience, as God linked the promise of His healing power to the condition of faithfulness to His commandments.

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Question 2: Which of your own trials and struggles have you caused yourself? What comfort can you take from the fact that God will still work for your good if you cooperate with Him?

Often, our greatest difficulties do not come from external enemies but from our own decisions—born of impatience, unbelief, or misplaced priorities. Some financial problems, broken relationships, or emotional crises are direct consequences of not trusting God to act in His time, and instead forcing our own solutions.

The comfort is this: God’s love does not end when we make mistakes. Just as with Israel—who worsened their situation through grumbling and forgetfulness—God meets us with grace. If we turn back to Him, seek His help in prayer, and are willing to act according to His principles, He can transform even the bitterest situations.

The promise “I am the LORD, your healer” means that He wants to heal not only physical illnesses but also emotional and spiritual wounds. His willingness to work “with” us shows that He does not act instead of us, but alongside us. When we do our part—trust Him, obey Him, and wait patiently—He opens the way to resolution.

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Spiritual Principles

• God is the problem-solver—He steps into situations that seem impossible.

• Trust must grow—past miracles do not guarantee present faith.

• Obedience opens blessing—God’s promises are tied to faithfulness.

• Training through trials—God turns bitter into sweet, often through faith-shaping processes.

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Practical Life Application

• Expect God’s help in both great crises and daily matters.

• Recall past answers to prayer and blessings.

• Respond to challenges with prayer rather than complaints.

• Work with God in small steps, even when you don’t understand the “wood” He gives you.

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Conclusion

The Marah experience shows: God can transform even the bitterest moments of life—in the desert and in our modern world. Trials are not signs of His absence but opportunities to know Him more deeply.

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Thought of the Day

“God’s plans are never late—but often come exactly when our faith is tested.”

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Illustration – Marah in the Kalahari

When Bitter Water Awakens Hope

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Chapter 1 – The Burning Road

The sun blazed mercilessly on the dusty track, stretching like an endless ribbon through the Kalahari. Amina felt her headscarf soaking with sweat. She had been on the road for three days with a small relief team—two rusty jeeps loaded with medicine, blankets, and a few jerrycans of water.

Their destination was a remote village called Mabuto, whose people had been suffering from a devastating drought for months. Rain had become a distant rumor, and the nearest working well was over sixty miles away.

“How much water do we have left?” Amina asked, wiping the dust from her face.
“Only half a jerrycan,” replied Joseph, the driver, his voice hoarse. “If we don’t find anything today, it’s going to be tight.”

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Chapter 2 – Hope on the Horizon

By afternoon, a shimmering strip appeared on the horizon.
“Water!” cried Samira, one of the younger helpers, her voice breaking with relief.

The convoy sped up; everyone summoned their last reserves of energy. When they reached the spot, the team ran to the edge of a small pond. The sunlight danced on its surface, and just the sight of it eased the torment of thirst. Joseph knelt, scooped water into his hands, and drank greedily—only to spit it out at once.

“Bitter… undrinkable!” he exclaimed. “As salty as seawater.”
Hope burst like a soap bubble, and the mood plummeted.

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Chapter 3 – The Shadow of Unbelief

They sat in silence under a gnarled acacia tree. Some stared blankly; others cursed under their breath. Samira broke into tears. “We’ve suffered for three days—for this? For poison?”

Amina felt her faith wavering. Memories of her childhood came back—times when she had praised God in church, singing songs of trust and provision. But here, in the scorching heat with a parched mouth, those memories felt distant, almost unreal.

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Chapter 4 – The Stranger Appears

Just as discouragement threatened to overwhelm them, a figure appeared at the edge of the water. An elderly man in a simple robe, carrying a long staff, approached. On his back was a bundle of dried plant stems.

“You’ve come far,” he said in a calm, deep voice. “I saw your dust cloud from a distance.”
“We’re looking for drinking water,” Amina replied curtly.
The man gave a faint smile. “The water here is bitter. But it doesn’t have to stay that way.”

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Chapter 5 – The Simple Remedy

The stranger asked for a bucket of water. Hesitantly, they handed him one they had filled. He placed a few dried stems into the water and stirred. “Wait a moment,” he said.

After a few minutes, he handed the bucket to Amina. “Try it now.”
She took a cautious sip—and her eyes widened. The water was fresh, cool, clear. “How… how is that possible?”
“This plant grows only in certain places,” he explained. “It takes away the bitterness. But remember—the plant is only a tool. The help comes from God.”

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Chapter 6 – Lesson at the Water

As they drank and refilled their jerrycans, the man told them the story of his people. They too had known drought, fear, and even quarrels among themselves. “But every time we trusted the Creator, He did not fail us.”

Amina listened silently. Something in his words reminded her of the biblical account of Marah—how God had shown Moses a piece of wood to sweeten the water. Here in the Kalahari, it was a plant, but the message was the same: God can turn bitterness into blessing.

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Chapter 7 – Arrival in Mabuto

The next morning, they reached the village. Children shouted with joy; parents expressed heartfelt thanks. The clean water was distributed at once, and the villagers held a small celebration despite the ongoing drought.

Amina stood aside, watching a little girl drink the water slowly, as if it were liquid gold. She felt a quiet resolve forming in her heart: never again would she underestimate God’s care—even when the road was dry and dusty.

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Chapter 8 – The Message Remains

Before they left, the old man gave Amina a bundle of the plant. “So you will remember,” he said. “Not me—but the One who is the source of all life.”

On the drive back, Amina stared out the window. The Kalahari lay silent under the midday sun. In the distance, a bright shimmer appeared—perhaps a mirage, perhaps a new path. She knew only one thing: the God who could make bitter water sweet would provide for her all the way.

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Lesson of the Story:

Even in the bitterest moments of life, God can bring forth springs of refreshment and hope. He sometimes uses humble, unexpected means—people, encounters, or small opportunities—to make the impossible possible. What matters is that we trust Him, even when circumstances seem hopeless. Those who give God first place will see Him turn deserts into blooming landscapes.

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Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-7-the-bread-and-water-of-life-7-1-bitter-waters-%f0%9f%8c%8a-exodus-living-faith/

10 August 2025

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BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS
Daily Bible Reading

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Leviticus 26 – Blessing and Curse – God’s Covenant Faithfulness and Our Obedience
A chapter of promise, warning, and hope

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Bible Text – Leviticus 26 (KJV)

¹ Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the Lord your God.

² Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord.

³ If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them;

⁴ Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.

⁵ And your threshing shall reach unto the vintage, and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing time: and ye shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely.

⁶ And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land.

⁷ And ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword.

⁸ And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.

⁹ For I will have respect unto you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, and establish my covenant with you.

¹⁰ And ye shall eat old store, and bring forth the old because of the new.

¹¹ And I set my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you.

¹² And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people.

¹³ I am the Lord your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright.

¹⁴ But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments;

¹⁵ And if ye shall despise my statutes, or if your soul abhor my judgments, so that ye will not do all my commandments, but that ye break my covenant:

¹⁶ I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it.

¹⁷ And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you.

¹⁸ And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins.

¹⁹ And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass:

²⁰ And your strength shall be spent in vain: for your land shall not yield her increase, neither shall the trees of the land yield their fruits.

²¹ And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins.

²² I will also send wild beasts among you, which shall rob you of your children, and destroy your cattle, and make you few in number; and your high ways shall be desolate.

²³ And if ye will not be reformed by me by these things, but will walk contrary unto me;

²⁴ Then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins.

²⁵ And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant: and when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy.

²⁶ And when I have broken the staff of your bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall deliver you your bread again by weight: and ye shall eat, and not be satisfied.

²⁷ And if ye will not for all this hearken unto me, but walk contrary unto me;

²⁸ Then I will walk contrary unto you also in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins.

²⁹ And ye shall eat the flesh of your sons, and the flesh of your daughters shall ye eat.

³⁰ And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you.

³¹ And I will make your cities waste, and bring your sanctuaries unto desolation, and I will not smell the savour of your sweet odours.

³² And I will bring the land into desolation: and your enemies which dwell therein shall be astonished at it.

³³ And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.

³⁴ Then shall the land enjoy her sabbaths, as long as it lieth desolate, and ye be in your enemies’ land; even then shall the land rest, and enjoy her sabbaths.

³⁵ As long as it lieth desolate it shall rest; because it did not rest in your sabbaths, when ye dwelt upon it.

³⁶ And upon them that are left alive of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth.

³⁷ And they shall fall one upon another, as it were before a sword, when none pursueth: and ye shall have no power to stand before your enemies.

³⁸ And ye shall perish among the heathen, and the land of your enemies shall eat you up.

³⁹ And they that are left of you shall pine away in their iniquity in your enemies’ lands; and also in the iniquities of their fathers shall they pine away with them.

⁴⁰ If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me;

⁴¹ And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity:

⁴² Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land.

⁴³ The land also shall be left of them, and shall enjoy her sabbaths, while she lieth desolate without them: and they shall accept of the punishment of their iniquity: because, even because they despised my judgments, and because their soul abhorred my statutes.

⁴⁴ And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I am the Lord their God.

⁴⁵ But I will for their sakes remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the heathen, that I might be their God: I am the Lord.

⁴⁶ These are the statutes and judgments and laws, which the Lord made between him and the children of Israel in mount Sinai by the hand of Moses.

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Introduction

Leviticus 26 is a solemn conclusion to the section in the third book of Moses where God gave the Israelites His covenant, commands, and statutes. It reads like a grand summary: those who walk in God’s ways will experience abundant blessing; those who turn away will encounter His judgment. Yet the chapter ends with a surprising tone of grace: God remains faithful to His covenant.

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Commentary

1. The Promise of Blessing (verses 1–13)

Condition: No idols, respect for the sanctuary, and obedience to God’s commands.

Blessing:

• Natural provision: Rain in due season, abundant harvests, plenty of bread (vv. 4–5).

• Safety and peace: No enemies, no wild beasts, no fear (vv. 6–8).

• Growth and God’s covenant faithfulness: God dwelling among His people (vv. 9–13).

Key point: Blessing is the result of communion with God, not merely material prosperity.

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2. The Warning Against Disobedience (verses 14–39)

Gradual punishment: In several escalating stages (“seven times more”), God intensifies discipline when the people remain unrepentant.

Consequences:

• Disease, crop failure, enemy domination, famine (vv. 16–26).

• Horrific conditions in distress, loss of the sanctuaries (vv. 27–31).

• Exile into foreign lands, the land left desolate (vv. 32–39).

Observation: The punishments are not arbitrary – they are corrective measures to bring the people back to repentance.

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3. The Hope of Repentance (verses 40–46)

• Confession of guilt: Both personal and generational (vv. 40–41).

• God’s covenant faithfulness: Even in exile, God does not utterly reject His people (vv. 44–45).

• Remembrance of the patriarchs: The covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob stands firm (v. 42).

Key point: Even in judgment, God’s heart is full of grace.

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Summary

In this chapter, God presents us with a choice: obedience brings life, peace, and fellowship with Him; disobedience brings alienation, distress, and judgment. But no matter how deep the fall, those who turn back will find that God does not break His promises.

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Message for Us Today

• Our faith is not just an inward feeling but lived-out obedience to God.

• God is not only the God of blessing but also the God of holiness, who takes sin seriously.

• Even when we have failed, repentance always opens the way back to fellowship with Him.

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Reflection Questions

What “pillars” or “idols” exist in my life today that are taking God’s place? Am I willing to tear them down so that God can dwell in my life without hindrance?

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August 10 – 16, 2025

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BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS
Weekly Reading from the Spirit of Prophecy

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Ellen White | Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 22
 Moses

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Read online here

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Introduction

The life story of Moses is a masterpiece of divine guidance. From a Hebrew child saved from death in the Nile, to a prince in Pharaoh’s court, to a humble shepherd in Midian—God shaped His servant for a unique mission: the deliverance of Israel from Egypt. This preparation was not a straight path but a deep process of training, self-denial, and faith. In this chapter, we see how God’s plan is fulfilled despite human weaknesses and resistance.

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Commentary

1. God’s protection in childhood (Exodus 1–2)

• Moses is born at a time when a cruel decree condemns all Hebrew baby boys to death.

• God’s providence leads Pharaoh’s daughter to find and adopt him.

• His own mother is allowed to nurse and raise him—a short but decisive formative period.

Key point: God can open doors that seem humanly impossible, even in the darkest circumstances.

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2. Training and the attempt at self-deliverance (Acts 7:22; Exodus 2:11–15)

• Moses receives the best Egyptian education but remains faithful to the God of Israel.

• In youthful zeal, he tries to deliver his people by his own strength (killing the Egyptian).

• Result: flight to Midian—the start of a new life phase.

Key point: A spiritual calling must not be forced by fleshly means.

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3. God’s school in the wilderness (Exodus 3–4)

• Forty years as a shepherd for Jethro—learning patience, humility, and dependence on God.

• The calling at the burning bush: God reveals Himself and gives Moses his mission.

• Moses’ objections: lack of eloquence, self-doubt, fear of rejection.

• God’s response: assurance of His presence, signs, and support through Aaron.

Key point: God does not call the qualified—He qualifies the called.

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4. Obedience and wholehearted dedication (Exodus 4:18–26)

• Moses chooses obedience, even though he hesitates.

• God corrects him for neglecting a duty (circumcision of his son).

• Lesson: Those who want to do God’s work must themselves be consistent in obedience.

Key point: Spiritual authority requires personal faithfulness to God’s commands.

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Summary

Moses went through three major life phases:

• Pharaoh’s court – education and privileges, but also temptation and the danger of idolatry.

• Wilderness of Midian – humbling, training in patience, trust in God.

• Calling and mission – equipping through God’s promises and signs, overcoming personal doubts.

God even used Moses’ mistakes to prepare him for the greatest work of his life: the deliverance of Israel.

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Message for Us Today

• God’s paths are often longer than we expect—but always purposeful and wise.

• Self-reliance can be a hindrance, but trust in God makes us strong.

• Those who want to be used by God must be willing to embrace even hidden years of preparation.

• We must obey first before we can lead others to obedience.

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Reflection Question

In what area of my life might God be preparing me in a “wilderness school,” even though I would prefer to hurry ahead?

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LuxVerbi | The light of the Word. The clarity of faith.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/10-08-2025-%f0%9f%94%a5leviticus-chapter-26-blessing-and-curse-gods-covenant-faithfulness-and-our-obedience-%f0%9f%93%9c-believe-his-prophets/