based on Exodus 17:1-7 by Clayton, 13, Indiana

Arden tripped on a sand-covered rock and fell, spilling the little bit of water in the bottom of his jar.

"Oh, no!" he gasped, "that’s the last of the water. Now my family won’t have enough water, and it’s all my clumsy fault."

Every day since Arden, his family and all the Israelites had followed Moses into the desert wilderness, it had been Arden’s responsibility to search for water. However, there usually wasn’t much to be found.

"Arden, where’s the water?" his mother asked when he got back to camp.

"Well, I . . . uh, er," he looked up. She didn’t seem too happy.

Suddenly someone cried out. "My family needs water! Give us water!" Then more people started shouting.

Soon the whole nation of Israel was yelling: "We want water! Give us water!" They continued shouting as they crowded around Moses’ tent.

Finally, Moses came out and walked into the mob.

"Stop! All of you," he called, "I will seek God’s guidance."

Yeah, right, Arden thought sarcastically. He’s just going to go in there and talk to an invisible ‘God’ about something this important.

Moses came out of his tent, with staff in hand and walked over to a large rock.

What is he doing now? Arden wondered, somewhat amused.

Moses raised his staff and struck the rock. The crowd started laughing and so did Arden, but his chuckle was suddenly followed by a gasp of unbelief. There, right in front of his eyes, water started flowing from the rock! This was really happening, and there was a real God!

Arden snatched his water jar and filled it with the fresh, cool water.

"Thank you, God, for caring," he said to himself.

	Q: What do you call a bag that’s asleep? A: A knapsack. Valerie L., 9, Wisconsin Clubhouse Jr. Click here to subscribe