From Grumbling to Gratitude...Escaping Self-Pity's Snareনমুনা

Provision: “I Don’t Have Enough”

Deserts make me nervous. When I first became interested in missions, I tried to stay open to serving anywhere people needed Jesus but was relieved to end up in lush, fertile Cambodia. Occasional floods sure beat dying of thirst!

If I were among the Israelites, trudging through the wilderness, I’d probably panic too. No bread…no water…no hope!

Cynicism laced their grumbling: “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die?” They despised God, his appointed leader Moses, his recent miraculous rescue from slavery, even his food for them. Wallowing in self-pity, they essentially complained, “If we were in charge, we’d write a better story.”

In holy wrath, God sent venomous snakes to attack the Israelites until they cried out to him, repenting of their sinful mutiny. He heard Moses’ prayer and saved anyone who looked at the bronze snake. The Israelites weren’t wrong about needing bread, water, and a cure, but they needed God even more. What cure is available for the deadly venom of our self-pity? Its inverse—gratitude!

First, let’s thank God for Christ’s example. He can relate to our fragility and lack. His temptation echoed the Israelites’ wanderings. For forty days, he fasted in the wilderness, experiencing hunger in his fully human body. When Satan tempted him with bread, Jesus trusted his Father’s provision and treasured God’s Word above his own physical needs. Instead of withdrawing during suffering, we can imitate Christ and accept the Father’s invitation into greater intimacy.

Second, let’s celebrate Christ’s completed work. He promised his own body and blood as our food and drink. The Lord’s Supper reminds us of the past and future. Like the snake on a pole, Jesus was lifted up on a cross, securing salvation and eternal life for all who trust him. The bread and cup also foreshadow the lavish feast we’ll join at Christ’s return.

The Creator lavishes care for his beloved children out of his limitless resources. He himself is our greatest gift! Let’s bring our hunger and thirst to God, delighting in him as “the richest of fare.”

Prayer: O God-Who-Provides, you know my needs. I’m impatient to get what I lack, but you want to show me a deeper delight: yourself. Thank you for Jesus’ cross and coming return. Please fill my heart with thankfulness that you are with me. You are enough for me.