August 6, 2018 Monday

“2  Then the whole congregation of the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. 3  And the children of Israel said to them, “Oh, that we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and when we ate bread to the full! For you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” 4  Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you. And the people shall go out and gather a certain quota every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in My law or not.” (Exodus 16:2-4 NKJV)

            When we are angry at God or fearful we often take that out on Christian leaders. They are both representatives of God and seem less dangerous to criticize them. These human leaders are also easier to criticize since they are human beings with human faults and brokenness.

            When trouble breaks into our lives we can see it as God failing us but like the children of Israel the situation may have a deeper spiritual meaning. God’s response to the complaints and criticism is to both provide and at the same time test them.

“And the people shall go out and gather a certain quota every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in My law or not.”

            Often we want God to save us from the trouble, pain and suffering in our lives but God’s plan may be to us through it! In this passage God withholds provision from the children of Israel so they will call out to him but instead they complain about their leaders.

            Just like the children of Israel it is so easy to forget God has set us free from our spiritual slavery which is the greatest act of provision and the most amazing miracle we can experience! Instead of complaining our response should be like the words of this song.  “My Heart hurts, my heart hurts for You! Your love burns within me with fire and fury!” (By Skillet from the Rise Album.)

            If we love God, have faith in God and our heart “hurts” for God whatever we face can draw us closer to God rather than accusing God for the struggles in our life.

            Are you so wrapped up in your struggles your heart no longer burns for God? Can you believe and accept the struggles in your life are an opportunity to be drawn closer to God? Do you really believe you deserve good or do you receive what God gives to you with joy trusting in God’s love?

As my health declined some wanted me to have people pray I would be made well by God. But before then twice I prostrated myself before God and asked to be healed so I could continue the pastoral ministry God had called me to and I so loved. Both times God’s response was the same. “I will heal you through this rather than from it.” When I asked God about ministering the response was “Your ministry will be greater through this then before.” I do not deserve any good thing from God!  I deserve hell and endless suffering as a judgment but because of God’s grace and love my suffering has redemptive meaning!!!