January 22: Exodus 14:21
– 17:16
Many
people look at the Israelites as constant complainers with little faith. But
imagine you are travelling with about a million of your closest friends for 45
days in a desert. You are drinking warm water, perhaps a couple of days old
already and you have no idea when you’ll find a source to refill your water
jar. You’ve eaten all the unleavened bread you brought and have used up the
ingredients you carefully packed – there is no more to feed your children. Your
animals have been slaughtered and you are desperate to create a good meal for
your family. You are tired, sore, dirty, and hungry.
I
know that I would whine and complain, I’ll admit it. Yes, it wasn’t long ago
that God did incredible miracles, but things were starting to get ‘real’ in the
desert. Is there much difference between asking Moses what they should do and
complaining that there was no food or water? I guess it’s all in the attitude.
How
long do we go in our desperate situations these days without complaint? How
many days of cold (or hot or wet or dry) weather do we endure before we wish
for a reprieve? How about more serious things – illness, job loss, or issues in
our society?
Do
we complain to God or ask for his will to be done? How often do we look for
lessons to be learned instead of relief from discomfort? What if God knows we
need some ‘desert time’ to fully rely on him? I know I’ve got some ‘sand in my
shoes’ that I need to turn over to Him. I want to walk with Him, wherever he
might take me, and trust that He knows the way. God, help me to trust you more.
TOMORROW’S
TEXT: Exodus 18:1 – 21:21
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