THE GOD WHO BRINGS WATER OUT OF A ROCK

THE GOD WHO BRINGS WATER OUT OF A ROCK

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Exodus 17:1-7

Key Verse:
“He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places like a river.” – Psalm 105:41

Supporting Texts: Numbers 20:7-11; Isaiah 43:19-20; 1 Corinthians 10:4; Psalm 78:15-16

Description: God has unlimited power to provide, even from the most impossible and unexpected sources, when His people trust Him completely.

INTRODUCTION:
Life sometimes presents us with situations that appear hopeless and barren, just like the wilderness where Israel wandered. In Exodus 17, the people faced a desperate need for water, and the landscape offered no natural solution. In their thirst and frustration, they questioned God’s presence and care. Yet God demonstrated His limitless power by bringing refreshing water out of a solid rock.

This miracle teaches us that God is not bound by natural laws or human logic. He can create streams in deserts, rivers in dry places, and solutions where none exist. When we face impossibilities, whether financial crises, broken relationships, health challenges, or spiritual dryness, this story reminds us that God can bring abundance out of barrenness.

Today, the same God who brought water out of a rock is still at work. He specialises in turning lifeless, impossible situations into testimonies of His power and love. If you are in a dry season, take courage: the God who provides in unusual ways is able to meet your need.

1. GOD SPECIALISES IN IMPOSSIBLE SITUATIONS
God delights in proving His power where human effort has failed and no natural solution exists.

a) God’s Power Knows No Limits (Jeremiah 32:27)
When everything seems hopeless, God shows that nothing is too hard for Him.

b) God Uses Unlikely Sources (Exodus 17:6)
A rock, hard and dry became the channel for life-giving water, proving God can use anything.

c) God Turns Dead Ends into New Beginnings (Isaiah 43:19)
Even in deserts and wilderness, He makes a way where there is none.

d) God Reveals His Glory Through Our Lack (Psalm 78:15-16)
God allows our insufficiency to showcase His sufficiency.

Biblical Example: When the widow of Zarephath had only a little oil and flour, God used it to sustain her household throughout a famine (1 Kings 17:8-16).

2. TRUSTING GOD EVEN WHEN IT DOES NOT MAKE SENSE
Faith is often tested when God’s instructions seem illogical or His timing feels delayed.

a) Faith Requires Obedience (Exodus 17:5-6)
Moses obeyed God’s unusual instruction to strike the rock, and the miracle followed.

b) God’s Methods May Be Unconventional (John 9:6-7)
Just as Jesus used mud to heal a blind man, God may work in ways we do not expect.

c) Waiting on God Builds Our Dependence (Isaiah 40:31)
Delays are opportunities to renew our strength and deepen our trust in Him.

d) Complaining Blocks Miracles (Philippians 2:14)
The Israelites’ grumbling could have hindered them, but God still showed mercy.

Biblical Example: Naaman, though initially offended by the prophet’s instruction to dip in the Jordan River, was healed when he humbled himself and obeyed (2 Kings 5:10-14).

3. GOD PROVIDES ABUNDANTLY BEYOND EXPECTATION
God’s blessings are not minimal; He provides more than enough to satisfy every need.

a) God’s Provision Is Overflowing (Psalm 23:5)
When God blesses, He does so in abundance that exceeds expectations.

b) God’s Supply Never Runs Dry (Philippians 4:19)
His resources are limitless and perfectly meet every need.

c) God Uses Miracles to Strengthen Faith (John 2:7-11)
Every act of provision is meant to deepen our trust in Him.

d) God’s Blessings Bring Refreshing to Others (John 7:38)
What He pours into you can flow out to bless those around you.

Biblical Example: Jesus fed five thousand men, plus women and children, with only five loaves and two fish, leaving twelve baskets of leftovers (Matthew 14:13-21).

4. REMEMBERING GOD’S FAITHFULNESS IN THE PAST
Reflecting on past miracles strengthens our faith for today’s challenges.

a) Testimonies Remind Us of His Power (Psalm 105:5)
Remembering what God has done before encourages trust in Him now.

b) Gratitude Sustains Faith (Psalm 103:2)
Thankfulness for past provisions prepares us for future blessings.

c) God Is Unchanging (Hebrews 13:8)
The God who acted before will act again in your life.

d) Recounting God’s Deeds Builds Community Faith (Psalm 78:4)
Sharing testimonies inspires others to believe in God’s power.

Biblical Example: David recalled God’s deliverance from the lion and the bear before facing Goliath, which strengthened his confidence (1 Samuel 17:34-37).

5. JESUS IS OUR TRUE ROCK OF PROVISION
Christ Himself is the ultimate fulfilment of the rock that gave water.

a) Jesus Is the Living Water (John 7:37-38)
Only He can satisfy the deepest thirst of our souls.

b) Christ Was Struck for Our Salvation (1 Corinthians 10:4)
Just as the rock was struck, Jesus was pierced to give us eternal life.

c) He Refreshes Us in Spiritual Dryness (Isaiah 58:11)
Jesus restores and renews those weary from life’s struggles.

d) Abiding in Christ Ensures Continuous Flow (John 15:5)
Remaining connected to Him guarantees unending supply and strength.

Biblical Example: The Samaritan woman at the well encountered Jesus, the living water, and her life was transformed (John 4:7-14).

CONCLUSION:
The God who brings water out of a rock is still the same today. He has not changed in His power, His love, or His faithfulness. When your life feels dry and hopeless, know that He can bring streams into your desert and turn your wilderness into a place of refreshing.

Instead of grumbling or giving in to fear, choose to trust Him. He will not only meet your need but exceed your expectations, using even the most unlikely sources to bless you. Let today’s word remind you that no situation is too hard for the God who brings water out of a rock.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, thank You for being my source of supply even in impossible situations.
2. Lord, forgive me for every time I doubted Your ability to provide.
3. Father, bring refreshing streams into every dry area of my life.
4. Lord, open my eyes to see Your miraculous provision around me.
5. Father, silence every voice of fear and unbelief in my heart.
6. Lord, use unusual and unexpected channels to meet my needs.
7. Father, let my testimony inspire others to trust in Your power.
8. Lord, renew my faith through memories of Your past faithfulness.
9. Father, make me a channel of blessing to refresh others.
10. Lord, cause me to abide in Christ, the true source of living water.

GOD’S WORD FOR YOU TODAY:
1. You shall never lack because God is your unfailing source.
2. Streams of refreshing are flowing into the dry places of your life.
3. God will use unexpected channels to bless and provide for you.
4. Your past testimonies will be small compared to what is coming.
5. You shall drink deeply from the living water of Christ and never thirst again.
6. Every dry season in your life is turning into a season of abundance.
7. God is silencing fear and replacing it with unshakable faith in your heart.
8. The same God who sustained Israel will sustain and uphold you.
9. Your life will overflow with blessings that will refresh others.
10. You shall see rivers of miracles flow in places you thought were hopeless.