Grumble No More...

In small group yesterday, one of our fearless leaders, Andrew, discussed 1 Corinthians 10:1-13. It was EXACTLY what God wanted ME to hear. Paul is talking to the church at Corinth about the mistakes that Israel made...the mistakes we all make...the mistakes I've made!

Verse 6 is the essence of the issue: "Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved." Remember the Israelites wandering in the desert complaining about food, water and their plight? They wanted to return to slavery in Egypt rather than depend on God's provision for them where He wanted them to be. They were willing to sacrifice finding joy in God's plan for their own selfish wishes.

Oh, I have been there...I AM there! So many times I am willing to give up what God has for me for the momentary pleasure of something else....in the past this has been food...over and over and over again. I was totally willing to give in to my selfish desires and fill my belly rather than following God's holy will for my life and my body.

As Andrew asked us all what "grumbling" means, Zeke looked to me and said, "Like your tummy grumbles?" Immediately, my answer was "No, that's a different kind of grumbling...." but then I realized that it wasn't. It was the same.

When our stomachs don't get what they want, they begin to complain...sometimes loudly. They are aching for something more. They crave something. Isn't that what we do when we grumble? We are wanting something more...something different. We are complaining about our current condition. We want what we want when we want it. And most of the time, we want it right now!

As I think about the Israelites and their propensity to complain, I am reminded that I am one of them...just like them. I complain when I don't get to eat what I want. I complain when I am hungry. I complain that others can eat without thinking or gaining weight. I complain that I'm in a rut. I complain when I don't see the results I want to see. I am an Israelite wandering in the desert.

But I have been warned (and so have you). God gave us the recording of the lives of the Israelites as an example so that we would NOT grumble and crave evil things. I pray that I will set aside my selfishness and self-centered ways to crave Him alone. Lord, I am begging you to sustain me as I seek to follow You wholly. Draw me to You as I study your Word, seek you in prayer and listen to Your heart. Remind me quickly when I begin to grumble of Your ways and not mine!

What are you craving today? If it's anything other than the Father, be forewarned...you may have an idol in your life. I did.