Murmuring Against God

Scripture: So Moses and Aaron said to all the children of Israel, “At evening, you shall know that the Lord has brought you out from the land of Egypt. And in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord, because He hears your murmurings against the Lord. And what are we that you murmur against us?” Exodus 16:6-7

Observation: Later, Moses makes a mistake and acts as if by his own authority, for which he is punished. However, here we see that Moses fully understood the relationship between Yahweh, himself, and the Israelites. When the Israelites "murmured against Moses", he know they were really murmuring against God. When the people question Moses about bringing them into the wilderness, that it was God who brought them into the wilderness. When the people blame Moses for the fact they are hungry, they are really challenging God's ability to provide.

Application: I believe God has placed me in this place, at this time. I believe he orders my steps and controls the path of my life. Then I get frustrated about daily events, challenges, and issues. I get upset with individuals and their decisions. It is very likely that, when I do this, I am murmuring against God. I am failing to connect my trust that he has put me in this situation, with my frustration within that situation ... and thus realize that my frustration is directed at God.

Of course, the solution is NOT to become frustrated at God instead of at others! The solution is to not become frustrated. I must understand God's sovereign control and allow his purposes to unfold. I must not murmur or grumble or complain. When things get tough, God has a reason ... maybe his reason is as simple as he has blessed me with certain gifts and knows I can handle tough things and thus serve others. It is either a test to see if I will be faithful with little things, or a call to serve others, and I need to respond accordingly.

Prayer: Father, you know these few weeks have and will be difficult. I have declared I will surrender my concern to you, yet I am still holding on to too much. Please be with me and Laurie today. Calm us both and keep us in your comforting hands. Help us truly serve others by aiding them in clarifying value and purpose in their lives, and let me be someone who absorbs issues and problems in order to ease their daily burdens. I see their broken situations. Only you can restore them fully, but I am here to aid. Send me. Amen.