Impatience

Numbers 21:4 "From Mount Hor they set out by the way of the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom. And the people became impatient on the way. And the people spoke against God and against Moses, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water and we loathe this worthless bread."

Do you ever find yourself impatient on your journey with the Lord? You've been brought out of slavery to sin and set on a course to a known destination but through unknown territory (this life). We have God's Word to chew on which brings us encouragement and challenge. But sometimes do you grow tired of "eating" the same food over and over?

And when life throws you a curve and you are scared or lonely or discouraged, do you think to yourself, "Why did I even come to Jesus if this is how my life is going to be? I was better off before."

When Israel expressed this to the Lord a plague broke out. Moses had to build a bronze serpent so that when the people looked at it they were healed of the snake bites.

For us, we need to remind ourselves that in Egypt (our sinful state) we were as good as dead from a poisonous snake. But Jesus rescued and healed us. His Word nourishes, even when we don't understand it all.

What Israel didn't realize when they complained and grew impatient was that they were about to experience great victory over the Amorites. Perhaps you are feeling impatient because the Lord is about to do a big thing in your life and the enemy is trying to distract you by having you focus on what's going on with you, instead of what is going on with God through you.

So look up to the serpent on the tree (Jesus), find new recipes for enjoying His Word, and look forward instead of backward to what new adventures lie ahead and what victories He has in store for you just around the corner!

Pastor Tom