Challenge: No Complaint

Now the people became like those who complain of adversity in the hearing of the Lord; and when the Lord heard it, His anger was kindled, and the fire of the Lord burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp.  Num 11:1 NASB

When reading through the details of the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, it’s so easy to be exasperated by their complaining.  Do they not see how much God has done for them?  How incredibly He has shown His hand?  Do they not see the magnificence of His continual presence guiding them each step of the way?  Do they not see the blessing of His continual provision? 

But when I look at myself, it’s not so easy to criticize them.  The intimacy of God with me is a profound and amazing gift.  It is provided on a daily – even moment by moment – basis.  It is a perpetual and continual miracle, especially when considered in light of my unworthiness and sin.  Yet, just like the Israelites, I complain because I do not receive more.  And the more I complain the more I fail to see His blessings.  Even the blessings I see look like curses to me (Ex 11:6) because I am in an attitude of complaint instead of worship and awe.

I am challenged to develop a habit of no complaining.  Of worship and thankfulness instead.  Oh how beautiful the very presence of God will be when I put aside complaint and realize how amazing His blessings truly are!