The Reteaching of God

"Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the LORD burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp. When the people cried out to Moses, he prayed to the LORD and the fire died down. So that place was called Taberah, because fire from the LORD had burned among them." Numbers 11:1-3

Have you ever had to learn a lesson more than once? I know that I certainly have! Way back in Exodus 15, the Israelites had grumbled and complained against the Lord. He did not punish them or strike out against them at that point in time. However, this passage is two years later! Two years that God had shown his faithfulness to them over and over. He had supplied all of their needs. He was even dwelling among them, leading them, and guiding them, yet they still complained.

As they learned earlier and as we have learned, complaining about anything is truly to complain about God. God is Sovereign, therefore, anything that comes into our lives is ultimately from Him and is for our good. To complain about it, even if it is undesirable, is to complain about God.

Complaining reveals a lack of trust and a lack of gratitude to God. Complaining is accepted in society, but it is sin before God. The Israelites had a habit of complaining. They complained about their conditions in Egypt. Then they complained about their conditions when God freed them. They had a complaining attitude. It was contagious and it angered God.

We must ask ourselves: Am I a complainer? If so, will I ask God to change this attitude in my life? One way to begin, is when you find yourself tempted to complain about a circumstance or condition, praise God instead. Praise Him for who He is - He is Sovereign, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, forgiving, holy, etc. Then thank Him for the blessings in your life.

The old song, Count your blessings, really is true. When you are struggling, count your blessings and "it will surprise you what the Lord has done".