Grumbling In The Desert

GRUMBLING IN THE DESERT

By:  Julie Souza Bradley Lilly

“For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, till all the people who were men of war, who came out of Egypt, were consumed, because they did not obey the voice of the LORD—to whom the LORD swore that He would not show them the land which the LORD had sworn to their fathers that He would give us, “a land flowing with milk and honey.” – Joshua 5:6 GW

The children of Israel wandered in the desert for 40 years.  The trip should have taken 11 days.  Grumbling and disobedience kept most from ever enjoying God’s promise.  Even in their unfaithfulness, He remained faithful.  He provided their daily bread.  Their clothing and shoes did not wear out and their feet did not swell (Neh 9:21).

No one wants to wander for 40 years, or to spend their final days just outside of the gate of God’s promise.  But when we lose focus on our destination and its rewards, we succumb to the temptation to grumble.  It exchanges what God intends to be a short test followed by blessing, for a long test, ushered in on the coattails of grumbling.

Beloved, are you in the desert today?

Father, we repent of our grumbling!  We renounce the false gods we honor instead of You. Thank You for the grace that saves us and mercy that spares us.  Thank You for our blessings, and that whether we have a little or a lot, it will miraculously be enough.

Lord, we welcome our troubles as friends (James 1:2).  May they do a maturing work in us, developing our faith, patience and endurance, so we will lack nothing.  Help us to not fight against the trials You have assigned to be our faithful teachers.  They are skillful tools You use to shape us into the image of Your Son.

Lord, keep our lips from grumbling.  May our reward be Your face and Your promised crown of life (James 1:12). Transform us in the desert, and soon lead us to Your promised land.  In Jesus’ Name ❤️

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