COMPLAINING HINDERS GRACE FOR PRESERVATION

Rev.Michael Benson Ajayi

Num 11:1-2 ,4, 11-15 TLB “The people were soon complaining about all their misfortunes, and the Lord heard them. His anger flared out against them because of their complaints, so the fire of the Lord began destroying those at the far end of the camp. They screamed to Moses for help, and when he prayed for them the fire stopped. …the Egyptians who had come with them began to long for the good things of Egypt. Moses said to the Lord, "Why pick on me, to give me the burden of a people like this?  Are they my children? Am I their father? Is that why you have given me the job of nursing them along like babies until we get to the land you promised their ancestors? Where am I supposed to get meat for all these people? For they weep to me saying, 'Give us meat!' I can't carry this nation by myself! The load is far too heavy!  If you are going to treat me like this, please kill me right now; it will be a kindness! Let me out of this impossible situation!"

       Complaining or showing discontent is part of human nature; if used constructively, it helps leaders in fashioning proper development projects. Godly leaders are saddled with the responsibility of correcting, directing, protecting and nourishing their followers while leading them to the place of fulfillment of divine purpose and destiny.  The Israelites under Moses ‘ leadership were delivered from slavery  and while on their way to the promised land they became weary of the diet and complained to Moses . They remembered the comfort enjoyed in Egypt as slaves preferring eating the leftovers from their slave masters to economic, spiritual and social emancipation. This scenario is what plays out in families during economic recession caused by mismanagement of resources. Such times demand a reorientation by families which may require sacrificing certain luxuries such as vacations, parties etc. Responsible heads of households, presidents and other leaders are forced to cut down on expenses and seek for ways to increase income. This is often an unpleasant road to follow but necessary for the survival of the family, community and the nation.

          At the national level, it is a time to invest more in import substitution by encouraging  the manufacturing sector and export promotion through ease of doing business policies and increase in international trade. It is usually a tough decision to make that will turn friends into foes : nobody likes to suffer. That was what happened to Moses and the Israelites, their journey was a one-way trip , certain disaster awaited them in Egypt if they dared to return .  Leaders are usually unpopular during austere times; parents are disliked by children, husbands by wives, pastors rejected by parishioners  and so on: it is a time of agitation when true friendship and loyalty is tested. Despite these, trials and distress are necessary for our prosperity (Ps4:1) and eternal glory should not be sacrificed upon the alter of temporary benefits. It took the Israelites forty years to realize this truth and unfortunately, the complainers missed the Promised Land : may that not be your portion in Jesus name.  We should not get tired of the limited resources occasioned by austere times and turn our complaints into prayers, the Israelites suffered disaster as a result of complaining. Grumbling does not help us but honestly praying about our worries accomplishes more because God cares for our needs.

     Austere times are a time for the development of faith and optimism in children through the rebuilding of family prayer alters and strife can be averted through better communication skills. Whatever you are going through is temporary and not peculiar to you alone , some persons have gone through worse conditions and lived to tell the tales of victory, you too shall overcome.
 Prayer : Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive grace for perseverance and strength to enter your promised land in Jesus name.

Free prayer/counseling   +2348098536911,+2348035536911 email:michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com