Based on Wednesday Evening Bible Study – August 12th, 2026 – Numbers 20:1–2

Have you ever found yourself in a dry place—emotionally, spiritually, or practically—where nothing seems to be flowing the way it should? The children of Israel knew that feeling well.

Main Scripture – Numbers 20:1–2 (KJV) “Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there. And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron.”

In this short passage we meet Miriam again—Moses’ oldest sister. She had shown great courage as a young girl helping to save her baby brother’s life. She walked in faith, trusting God’s plan, and later served as a prophetess and worship leader among God’s people. A prophetess is simply a woman God uses to communicate His message, truth, warning, encouragement, or direction.

Yet even with that history of faith, the people of Israel found themselves in a dry desert with no water… and their response revealed the condition of their hearts.

Principle 1: Hard Times Don’t Mean God Left You

Israel was in a dry place, but God was still with them. A difficult season does not mean God has abandoned you.

New Testament Scripture – John 16:33 (KJV) “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

When you face financial problems, family trouble, grief, recovery struggles, or disappointment, don’t assume God has left you. Keep praying, keep trusting, and remember what He has already brought you through.

Personal Question: Am I trusting God in this season, or judging Him by what I see right now?

Principle 2: Don’t Let Your Pain Turn Into Complaining

The people were hurting, but instead of seeking God, they turned against Moses and Aaron. Pain can make us react in ways that hurt other people.

New Testament Scripture – Philippians 2:14–15 (KJV) “Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.”

“Murmuring” means grumbling, complaining under your breath, or always finding fault. “Disputing” means arguing, fighting, or resisting in a way that creates division.

When you get frustrated, don’t immediately lash out at family, church members, leaders, or the people trying to help you. Take your frustration to God first. Pray before you react.

Personal Question: Is my pain causing me to attack people who are not really the problem?

Principle 3: When You’re Empty, Go to the Source

Israel needed water. Spiritually, we also go through seasons when we feel empty, tired, and thirsty.

New Testament Scripture – John 7:37–38 (KJV) “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”

That deep spiritual thirst of the soul is the need for peace, purpose, forgiveness, strength, and a real relationship with God.

  • Thirst = the emptiness or need inside us.
  • Come to Jesus = trust Him and depend on Him.
  • Drink = receive what He gives spiritually.
  • Living water = the life and work of the Holy Spirit within us.

When you feel spiritually, emotionally, or mentally drained, don’t run back to old habits, substances, unhealthy relationships, anger, or distractions. Go to Jesus through prayer, Scripture, worship, fellowship, and godly counsel.

Personal Question: When I get thirsty, do I run back to old ways, or do I run to Jesus?

Closing Challenge

Remember these three things this week:

  1. Trouble comes — but God is still with you.
  2. Pain is real — but don’t let it control your response.
  3. When you get empty — go back to the Source.

Trust before you panic. Pray before you complain. Go to Jesus before you go back to old habits.

We invite you to join us for Wednesday Evening Bible Study at 7:15 PM as we continue applying supernatural principles to everyday life. Come thirsty—Jesus still satisfies.

Keep’in It Real Ministries 1100 Almond Tree Ln, Las Vegas, NV

Sunday Service – 10:00 AM Wednesday Bible Study – 7:15 PM

Need prayer? Call the Prayer Line: (702) 327-2438 info@kirm.org