February 28, 2017. Numbers 11-13.

 

They complained about their circumstances (even though God was supplying everything that they needed).

11:1 The people were soon complaining about all their misfortunes, and the Lord heard them. 

 

They complained about their leadership (even though it was God who had chosen their leader).

12:1 One day Miriam and Aaron were criticizing Moses because his wife was a Cushite woman, 2 and they said, “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses? Hasn’t he spoken through us, too?”

 

They complained about the task and said it was impossible (even though it was God who said go do it, I have given this land to you).

13:31 “Not against people as strong as they are!” the other spies said. “They would crush us!”

 

Why is it that complaining seems to be the “go-to” response for whatever is happening in life? We don’t like our job; we need a new coffee-maker, this one is too slow; if only I had a new truck; the boss is a jerk; why can’t I live in a place where the people know how to drive? If you are not careful the days of your life can also be marked with complaining and negativity. You know those people that seem to operate solely in that realm of negativity, and no one likes to be around them. As a follower of Christ, there is another option; we can look through the annoyance and see God again.

This is a powerful and encouraging response that God offers in the midst of all the complaining; something to be considered next time that you feel like complaining about something:

 

11:23 Then the Lord said to Moses, “When did I become weak? Now you shall see whether my word comes true or not!”

 

If you read the rest of these stories you will see that the complaining never turned out good for the Israelites. Why could they not trust God’s plans and provisions? Why don’t we trust God’s plans and provisions? Want order in your life? – Stop complaining and return to trusting that God knows what is best for you and that He is working His plan in your life. God is not weak, His word and promises come true!