Numbers 11:23. “And the Lord said unto Moses, ‘Is the Lord’s hand waxed short? Thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.’” COMPLAINTS. How quickly they can come; how foolishly they start.
Hardships getting you down? Are you going to pray or complain? Where is God? Isn’t He near? Why not go to Him instead of others? Do you always listen to the mixed multitude – the worldly for comfort? Dissatisfaction comes when our attention shifts from what we have to what we don’t have. Be grateful for what you have.
Would you rather have smelly fish, gassy cucumbers, leeks and garlic breath? Melons taste good but you can’t live on froth that has no value. What about freedom from slavery – doesn’t that mean anything? Have you forgotten when you got the scars on your body from the whip? Don’t you have enough manna to eat? It is there for the taking – and it’s good for you. What are you weeping and wailing about anyway? It is serious business to make God angry.
Get up in the morning and see the miracle! Tons of edible food for the taking. Fluffy and white in the early morning – pick up all you need, no questions asked. You think it is your right to have more than you have? Why do you deserve it? You are overlooking what you have, in your demands for more. Watch out when you approach God with an attitude like that. You may get what you want but it may prove very costly in the end.
Are you trying to do everything yourself and you are complaining about it? Haven’t you seen God work before in power? Are you questioning God’s ability? Are you relying on your own assessment of the situation instead of God’s? Never let it once happen that you doubt God and His strength to do what is right. Your view in the daily routine of life may be that His strength is diminishing. We change – He never changes, and His strength is always available.
Does the work you are called to do seem too hard? Are you losing sight of the Power-Source? There are others God is using beside you. There are others who are available to work. God will empower them to do what you used to do if it is too much for you. Quit complaining and pray for those coming up behind to take over the work. Stand with them and let them stand with you so the people will recognize their leadership. Stop complaining, and be thankful that there are others who can do the work.
Do you have a greedy desire for your team to win? For your influence to be the greatest? When you become preoccupied with anything – good or bad, then it becomes lust. When your perspective changes from joy in the small things, to complaints – it is lust. You may get what you lust for but be careful because it may make you sick. The sickness cause by lust can spread over everything your eye can see and it may stink! Resolve: no more complaints, but a deliberate choice to be thankful and give God thanks, IN EVERTHING!
“O God of all provision: with a convicted mind I count my blessing here before Thee. I do not deserve the least of Thy mercies. I haven’t even used all that I have been given in the right way. But I do want to. I have all and abound. I am full of blessings. In my inner heart and soul, I am very grateful and thankful. Sew my mouth shut if I start to complain. Amen.”