S. Numbers 21:4-5 (NIV) 4 They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea,[a] to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; 5 they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!”
O. The people of Israel looked at their circumstances - the long journey, the limited diet and the lack of natural water (though God supernaturally had their back on the water supply) and grumbled. They grumbled against God and they grumbled against Moses!
I think it’s easy to grumble or complain when things don’t transpire as we expect them to. For Israel, and what they most likely did not know, was that God at times takes the long view to prepare His people for what’s ahead in their lives. As the song writer says, “God sees a way when we don’t see a way.”
To get through this journey, Israel really needed to cultivate a spirit of gratitude for what they did have and for how the Lord has and is blessing and leading them.
A. I don’t always see the long view either. I at times am focused only on the immediate and wonder why God has done such and such for me. However, If I will look back and see where He has brought me from, how He has and continues to provide for me, I can cultivate a spirit of gratitude and be excited for my present situation knowing He desires to favor me in the long run.
P. Thank you Father for all of your blessings. I don’t always catch on to what you are doing in the immediate, but I will continue to praise you seven times a day (Psalm 119:164) and follow your favor. Holy Spirit fill me and guide to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and to continue to follow His favor. In Jesus’ name!
