All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, “If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this wilderness! ³ Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?” Numbers 14:2-3

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, James 1:2

Introduction

The Israelites were in Egypt for more than 400 years but the Lord sent Moses to deliver them so he can take them to the Promised Land. On their way to the Promised Land, they complained about not having any water or meat. They complained so much that they wished they were back in Egypt.

I do not know about you but I used to grumble and complain a lot. I wished many times, things were how they used to be when there was an abundance of prosperity. However, I came to a point in my life with a reality check that trials and tribulations will occur while on this journey but I have to look at these trials as opportunities to take me to my destination.  In fact the word of God instructed us to count it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds.

Stop Complaining – God will provide

The Israelites were complaining that there was no water in Shur and on their journey to Marah, they found water but it was bitter. However, Moses cried out and the Lord showed him a tree and he cast it in the water which made the water sweet. They later took a journey to Elim and there was an abundance of water and palm trees. They soon left Elim and took a journey to the Wilderness of Sin. There they complained about being hungry but the Lord told Moses he would rain bread from Heaven and of course the Lord provided the manna to the Israelites as promised. In fact they ate manna for 40 years. The people then left the Wilderness of Sin and then took a journey to Rephidim where there was no water. Of course they complained again.

In the story above, God provided for the Israelites on all occasions. All we have to do is cry out to Lord. Ask and it shall be given. Sometimes we tend to forget that we have been in situations in the past and God was right there to provide for us. He may not provide it directly to you, he may allow others to be in your path who he will bless and then they in turn will share their blessings with you.

Stop Complaining – It may delay your journey

The Israelites complained so much on their journey that it took 40 years to reach the Promised Land rather than 11 days. In fact, most of the Israelites did not even reach the Promised Land.

All of us are on a journey but perhaps we spend most of time complaining and as a result we are not focused on reaching our destination. If you are not focused, you will take a long time to reach your destination. Some of you may never reach because you are preoccupied with complaints, you are uncertain where you are going and you have very little faith and as result you do not have a roadmap to direct you on your path to your destination. In the end you will get lost and your journey will be delayed. It may take several days, several months and even several years.

Conclusion

Your road to your destination will not be a smooth one and hence you will encounter some rough terrain. While on this bumpy path, do not complain, focused on getting to your destination. You may not know exactly where you are going but if you used the Word of God as your roadmap, it will lead you to your destination.  This roadmap will encourage you, strengthen you, direct you and will increase your faith. Your destination is full of peace, happiness and an abundant life.