And they said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? Didn’t we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, ‘Leave us alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!’” (Exodus 14:11-12 NLT)
Isn't it amazing how history gets changed the minute your forward movement is challenged?
Did you really think the enemy was going to let you progress without trying to trip you up? Did you think he was cheering you on, removing obstacles or making it easier for you?
Then the people complained and turned against Moses. “What are we going to drink?” they demanded. (Exodus 15:24 NLT)
“If only the Lord had killed us back in Egypt,” they moaned. “There we sat around pots filled with meat and ate all the bread we wanted. But now you have brought us into this wilderness to starve us all to death.” (Exodus 16:3 NLT)
The parting of the Red Sea was miraculous and showed Israel God's love and protection. Yet, when faced with bitter waters, they complained. Later they complained about food looking back to Egypt instead of forward to the Promised Land.
How many times do we think what we left is better than where we're going, where God is taking us? We must remember God's deliverance in the past and trust Him with our future. Never forget to celebrate what God has done for you and share it with others.
This is the cycle the children of Israel followed:
Complaints from the people
Moses crying out to God for the people
God providing for the people
Obstinacy and disobedience of God's commands from the people
This was a cycle throughout their 40 years in the wilderness. When things didn't go their way, they verbally attacked Moses accusing him of wanting to kill them and lamented about all they had in Egypt!
Some questions to ask yourself:
Are you following the same cycle?
Do you remember what God has done in the past so you're better able to face your present challenges?
Are you ready to quit when challenges come?
Here's something to think about:
We are reminded that disobedience and complaints against those in spiritual authority over us are really complaints being lodged at God!
Then Moses added, “The Lord will give you meat to eat in the evening and bread to satisfy you in the morning, for he has heard all your complaints against him. What have we done? Yes, your complaints are against the Lord, not against us.” (Exodus 16:8 NLT)
I know I'm going to think twice about complaining in general and about those that have spiritual authority over us. Instead, I'm going to pray about the situations that I find myself in that are upsetting. God has outlined in His Word how we are to act.
This is how God wants us to handle challenges:
"Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [against God] and questioning and doubting [among yourselves], That you may show yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish (faultless, unrebukable) in the midst of a crooked and wicked generation [spiritually perverted and perverse], among whom you are seen as bright lights (stars or beacons shining out clearly) in the [dark] world, Holding out [to it] and offering [to all men] the Word of Life, so that in the day of Christ I may have something of which exultantly to rejoice and glory in that I did not run my race in vain or spend my labor to no purpose." (Philippians 2:14-16 AMPC)
No grumbling, faultfinding, or complaining, against God
No questioning and doubting
Show yourself to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated children of God - without blemish, faultless, unrebukable in the midst of a wicked generation - spiritually perverted and perverse
Be the bright light, beacons shinning out clearly in the dark world
Offer everyone Jesus, the Word of Life
This gives Christ something to exalt and rejoice that we didn't run our race in vain or labor with no purpose
"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT)
Hold on to this promise Jesus made to us as we face trials, tribulations, and frustrations:
"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]" (John 16:33 AMPC)
Be Encouraged! ❤