Strength to the End
Sunday, June 21, 2026
Pastor Mark D. Boykin
Watch the full sermon in it’s entirety here:
Exodus 17:1–13
One of the great truths of Scripture is found in 1 Corinthians 10:11: "Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition." The stories of the Old Testament are not merely history lessons. They are examples for us today. They reveal how God works, how people respond, and how the Lord remains faithful through it all.
In Exodus 17, the children of Israel found themselves in a difficult place. The Bible says they journeyed "according to the commandment of the Lord" (Exodus 17:1). In other words, they were exactly where God had led them. Yet when they arrived at Rephidim, there was no water.
Think about that. God led them there. Sometimes we assume that if we are following God, every road will be easy. But often God leads us through dry places, not to destroy us, but to teach us to trust Him.
The people immediately began to murmur and complain. They chided with Moses and questioned God's goodness. Instead of remembering the Red Sea, the miracles, and the deliverance they had already experienced, they focused on what they lacked. Murmuring became one of Israel's greatest sins in the wilderness. Along with idolatry and fornication, it continually hindered their walk with God. They complained when there was no water. They complained about manna. They complained even after God provided for them.
How often are we tempted to do the same?
The opposite of murmuring is thankfulness. When I stop and consider the goodness of God, I realize He has been faithful every step of the way. He has put food on my table, clothes on my back, and strength in my body. He has carried me through trials, answered prayers, and sustained me when I thought I could not go any farther. Thankful people see God's hand at work. Murmuring people only see what is missing.
The Lord instructed Moses to go before the people and strike the rock at Horeb. Water flowed from the rock, and the people drank. God met their need exactly as He promised. Yet the story does not end there. Immediately after this miracle, Amalek came and attacked Israel (Exodus 17:8). The battle followed the test. Moses climbed the hill with the rod of God in his hand. As long as his hands were raised, Israel prevailed. But the Scripture says, "Moses' hands were heavy" (Exodus 17:12). I love the honesty of that verse. Even great leaders grow weary. Even faithful believers get tired. Even those who have seen miracles can feel the weight of the battle.
Moses could not do it alone. Aaron and Hur came alongside him. They placed a stone beneath him to sit on, and they held up his hands until the going down of the sun. Because they stood with him, Joshua and the armies of Israel prevailed.nWhat a picture of the Christian life.
God never intended for us to fight every battle alone. He gives us brothers and sisters in Christ who encourage us, pray for us, and help hold up our hands when they become heavy. There may be seasons when you feel weary. You may be walking through a dry place. You may be facing a battle you did not expect. But remember this: the same God who brought water from the rock is the God who gives strength for the battle. He is faithful.
Instead of murmuring, choose praise. Instead of focusing on what you lack, thank God for what He has already done. Instead of giving up when your hands grow heavy, allow the Lord and His people to strengthen you. God tested Israel at Rephidim, but He did not abandon them there. He provided for them, fought for them, and carried them through.
And He will do the same for you.
The God who has been faithful yesterday will be faithful today. He will be faithful tomorrow. And He will give you strength—not just for the beginning, but strength to the end.
Every one of us has a choice. You can choose today to be happy and filled with the spirit. Or you can walk around like you just left a mortuary. I have seen funerals happier than a lot of churches that I've been in on Sundays because they've lost their joy. When you lose your joy, folks, the enemy is going to open you to murmuring.
Can you say “I have the joy of the Lord in my life today?” Maybe you lost the joy. I can't tell you that I wake up every day wanting to do a Pentecostal jig. There are some days where just getting out of bed is the hardest thing for me to do. But I want to tell you something. When the Spirit of God gets a hold of you, there's a joy that you cannot contain. I would not trade the joy of Jesus for any amount of money in the world. Nothing can fill your life like the joy of the Lord.
I want to remind you of Isaiah 54:1. It says, “Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud.”
Why? Because when you begin to shout and sing, the hand of God begins to move. If you need joy today, pray this with me:
Dear Lord,
Fill me with joy. Fill me with joy unspeakable and full of glory (1 Peter 1:8). Thank you for your faithfulness in every season. Help me find joy even in the midst of challenges. Help me approach each day with a joy, grateful for the opportunities I get to experience. Thank you for the gift of joy. Help me to embrace it fully and to spread it to those around me.
I give all the praise, all the glory, and all the honor to the name of Jesus.
Amen.