“2 And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, 3 and the people of Israel said to them, ‘Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.’ 4 Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not.”
- Exodus 16:2-4
One of my biggest pet peeves is complaining. Early in life, my parents and grandparents made sure I knew that when life was uncomfortable, I should adjust my attitude and expectations rather than expecting everyone else to adjust to my comfort. Grumbling and complaining spreads so rapidly it can poison a crowd.
For years, the Hebrew people had been crying for rescue from the misery of slavery in Egypt. God heard and sent Moses to lead them to freedom. They collectively witnessed God’s power through the plagues and God’s protection and provision through the parting of the Red Sea. The presence of God led the new nation every step of the way, a Pillar of Cloud by day and a Pillar of Fire by night. Only two months into their journey, their complaints had blinded them. They longed for the slavery of Egypt over the freedom of the desert. Complaining whitewashes the past while amplifying the troubles of the present. How would you have reacted to their complaints if you were the Lord? Had they forgotten all He provided up to this point?
God chose to be gracious and wake His children daily with enough bread from heaven to meet their needs. Imagine waking up every morning to a miracle, bread fallen from the sky. God chose to provide in spite of their complaints because He wanted them to know every gift was from Him. In this season, it can be easy to complain, but as you hang your ornament, remember God’s gifts, how He daily provides all you need, in spite of your complaints.
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