Dry Faith, Not a Dry Rock

Opening Scripture

“Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” — Exodus 17:6

Reflection

Introduction:

While Israel began to gather the taste of heaven—that is, manna—the congregation arrived at Rephidim. Their mouths were still full of miracle bread, yet their hearts grew dry when thirst came. What followed was not just a test of need, but a test of faith.

Story 🌾 In a village where it had not rained for years, the main well was dry and forgotten. People believed there was no water left, so they stopped trying. One day, a tired traveler came. He saw the old well, knelt down, and lowered his cup. The villagers laughed, saying, “There is no water.” But suddenly, water splashed up. The traveler had found fresh water. The well was never empty—only their hope had dried up. Like the traveler, we are invited to kneel, trust, and draw again.

In the wilderness of Rephidim, Israel’s thirst was more than physical—it was spiritual. They had already tasted God’s miracle bread from heaven, yet when water was needed, their doubts overwhelmed them. The question was not whether the rock could give water—it was whether their faith could receive it. God told Moses to strike the rock, and water would flow. The command was clear, but the people’s trust was not.

Jesus said, “If these keep silent, the stones will cry out” (Luke 19:40). John the Baptist declared that God could raise children for Abraham from stones (Matthew 3:9). God’s power knows no limits. The problem is never the rock, but the dryness of our faith. Faith does not see impossibilities; it sees God’s possibilities, it anticipates and is hopeful and expectant.

When faith matures, the heart finds rest. Restlessness fades, anxiety quiets, and the discomfort of striving gives way to trust.

If God can do the greater, why do we doubt the lesser? If He can open heaven, He can open stone. If He can feed with bread from above, He can quench thirst from below.

Application

When life feels barren, ask yourself—not “Is the rock dry?” but “Is my faith dry?” The problem is seldom with God’s power; it is with our trust. He who brought manna from heaven and water from rock still waits to fill your cup. Believe again, and living water will flow.

Closing Thought: Faith revives what once seemed barren. When faith flows, even rocks can sing.

Amen