Not Grumbling Against God

Moses cried out to the Lord.

Exodus 15, verse 25. They fled Israel from the Red Sea, and they went into the desert of Shur. For three days they traveled in the desert without finding water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter.

That is why the place is called Marah. So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, What are we to drink? Then Moses cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became fit to drink. There the Lord issued a ruling and instruction for them and put them to the test. He said, If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in His eyes, if you pay attention to His commands and keep all His decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord who heals you. Then they came to Elam, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there near the water. Grumbling Against God.

Written by Karen Huang. As an answer to prayer, unexpected funds from Alex's insurance had already paid for his dental treatment. Now another treatment was necessary.

Where will I get the money for that? Alex grumbled. Resentful thoughts of heavy expenses filled his mind. At the time when a deposit to the dentist was due, however, a cash gift from a relative suddenly arrived.

I felt ashamed, Alex said. I'd already seen how God had provided for me with the insurance payment. I shouldn't have grumbled, but asked Him for help instead. When the Israelites entered the desert of Shur in Exodus chapter 14, they'd just experienced God's deliverance at the Red Sea. His miraculous help, however, now seemed forgotten as they grumbled over the absence of drinkable water in the desert. The Hebrew word for grumbling refers to rebellion against God.

The resentful response of the Israelites was very different from Moses, who asked God for help. Later, God graciously provided water for His people. In times of need, we can avoid grumbling by asking God for help, as Moses did. Whether His help comes in miraculous ways, practical provision, people's assistance, or the strength to endure, we can trust that He hears us and cares for us.

Let's pray. Heavenly Father, thank You for always watching over us and providing for our every need. When we begin to grumble because of our circumstances, remind us to turn our eyes toward You and trust You to provide. Thank You, Lord. It's in Jesus' name we pray. Amen. As you go about your day, reflect on these questions. In the past, what may have caused you to grumble in times of need? How can you remind yourself to always turn to God for help, just as Moses did?