I've been reading about the Israelites' journey out of Egypt. At one point God says that He could have led them straight to Canaan but it would mean fighting with other tribes and they were not ready. Instead He took them on a longer, safer route - through the desert.
I'm not sure the Israelites knew about plan A and plan B. They just saw the barren desert. They missed their homes and their perceived comforts in Egypt. (But, how comfortable could slavery be?) Still they were not sure this is what they had envisioned God's deliverance would look like. So, they grumbled.
They also grumbled about the menu. God miraculously fed them in the desert but they missed the luscious meals in Egypt. (Again I think there was a little memory modification going on here.) So, they grumbled.
It's easy to criticize the Israelites. They saw miracle after miracle and yet were so quick to be ungrateful. However, I have to admit. I'm not so good at being thankful for what I have either at times. I look at my daily problems that seem so large. I don't see the other paths God kept me from taking that were so much more dangerous or trial-ridden. I look at what others have and get caught up in the comparison game instead of reveling in God's provision in my life. I look at the cross I'm asked to carry and moan about my lot in life not realizing that so many others have greater burdens and God's grace is sufficient for all of us.
Sometimes I have to remind myself to quit griping about the manna, to look at Jesus instead of the stormy waves, and to trust that Almighty God is watching over every aspect of my life.
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