I can see that there is a strong relevance to our own situation in the Murray Darling Basin debate on the allocation of a scarce resource – water.

Especially, when there is an unbalanced element relating to the claims of the Environment movement.

Moses and the Israelites had to learn that God could be trusted to provide for them, but they had to do something for themselves in obedience to Him.

Bringing that additional resource from the north of our great continent is a challenge that must be met.

I believe that our God calls us to be stewards of the resources he has given us and there is a tremendous challenge for us to rise, and to persevere for this to happen.

The story in Exodus 17 verses 1-7, which John quoted is followed by the story of the Israelites being attacked by the Amalekites; Exodus 17 verses 8-13; which again has relevance for us in the way that Moses prayed fervently and faithfully while the Israelites fought against their enemy.

Moses grew tired, Aaron and Hur went with him, and when Moses grew tired they held up his arms.

This says something to us to be prayerfully supportive for those who are committed to work and fight for a just and appropriate solution to our need.

The big question is of course, for us, are we going to be dominated by fear and lack of resolve to do something about harvesting the abundant resource in the north of our great land, or are we to continue to be dominated by our fears of an MDBA plan that is sorely wanting in

a just solution to where we are at the present.

We have a good case to follow in the story of Moses and the rock that he obediently struck with the rod that God provided and the example of the prayerfulness that sustained his people in their battle against their enemies.

Fear is a very insidious enemy; faith to trust God and the courage to seek a meaningful solution opens the way to hope and a positive outcome for our whole community.

John Lovell