The Discontent Grows, Part 2

"Let's help people get on board with what God wants to give them, but what we don't want is the process. Everyone wants the product."  - Chip Ingram

Recall how joyous Israel was when they first gathered together and escaped the oppressive hand of Pharaoh. Now, only a little more than a month since, their mood is quite different. Provisions were all but depleted, and they were afraid. ( Exodus 16:2).

We all pass through different trials of varying degrees in our lives. Why some undergo more or less than others is not for us to know, only God knows. But Israel's frustrations were aimed specifically at Moses and Aaron (1 Corinthians 10:10).

How quickly they had forgotten that, not so long ago, with God's help, they avoided a sure death at the Red Sea. Instead, they were preserved by Him. They had forgotten to trust in God's goodness and power of provision.

Blaming Moses for intentionally leading them out of Egypt to starve them to death in the desert was unfair and unjust, to say the least. He had followed God's orders exactly, which were designed to save, not destroy, them.

They lamented about the provisions they had left behind in Egypt. And groan about their current situation, wishing they had instead died there near food (Exodus 16:3); failing to see God had greater plans for them.

In our own lives, there are times when, confronted with challenges, we too longingly desire to go back to happier days. But were they really so? We tend to cherry-pick the best parts of our past, leaving the rotting fruit of it on the ground.

Like the nation Israel here in Exodus, how easily we overlook the times that God helped us, focusing instead on our current woes. God, had a great plan for Israel, and He has a great plan for us, too.

Also, they had forgotten how to provide for themselves back in Egypt. They had grown dependent on Pharaoh for everything, despite their abuse. Now, they were being asked to depend on God, and they didn't yet know how.

In order to appreciate His intentions for us, we must, like a young tree, learn to weather the times of drought, storms, and other harsh conditions in life. Yes, God wants the best for us, but we must show our worthiness first.

Our impatience, ungratefulness, and distrust of God can make it difficult to see all of the good He has done for us. And like Lot's wife, we are tempted to look back at what was, than to fix our eyes on God's will for us going forward (Luke 17:32; Genesis 19:26).

Next Week: God's Mercy Is Shown...

Scripture: Psalm 37:4; Romans 8:28; 1 Peter 5:7; 1 Timothy 6:6-8; Psalm 34:10

Prayer: I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me, amen.  - Philippians 4:12-13 (ESV)

Blessings always, 

Cyndy