The Wilderness.

Why will God bring me this far, only to leave me here? Why did He bother starting this journey with me, if He was never going to follow through? Why did He raise my hopes with all those promises of the future?

God left me high and dry.

Every time I read how God brought the Israelites across the Red Sea, it amazes me. It clearly shows God's mighty hand stretched out to save His people. I mean, if you ever want your faith stirred, this is a go-to story. If you have ever read the story, and if you haven't, God delivered the Israelites from the hands of the Egyptians where they had been enslaved for four hundred years. He sent His servant Moses to bring them out of Egypt to a promised place. After crossing the Red Sea, and finally free from the Egyptians, the Israelites sang praises to God in great awe of God and His servant Moses. They sang and sang and sang. They just couldn't stop singing. God had indeed done great and mighty things for them.

A few moments later, the Israelites found themselves in the wilderness. The wilderness was out of their comfort zone. No water. No food. For days upon days. Well, the Israelites were definitely not playing when it comes to food. A hungry man is an angry man. They turned against Moses grumbling and complaining, asking to return to Egypt.

“And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, and the people of Israel said to them, "Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” Exodus 16:2-3 ERV

I marveled after reading this. For a long time, I really could never understand the Israelites. They always seemed so ungrateful. It just made no sense that they had it in them to even complain after the huge miracle God had already done for them. Wasn't that enough? The diverse signs, and the miracles God had shown to them. The favor they received. How God preserved Goshen and went after the Egyptians all for their sake. Why should they ever complain? Moreso, how would God even feel after hearing that?

For example, imagine you went out of your way for someone a couple of times, but because one time you didn't show up like you normally would have, the person sent you a long message about how disappointed they are or complaining that you are not a good friend. How would you even feel reading that? Sad and disappointed right?

Recently, I caught myself almost in that Israelites' way of thinking without realizing it. I forgot that God had already done a lot for me, my present hour's need/sorrows are really not enough to change who He is. I repented instantly. God said to me “Remember the God who brought you out of Egypt, give Him praise for that, and watch Him bring you out of the wilderness.”

Then He reminded me of this scripture that says, "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.'' Philippians 1:6 GNT

If there’s anything I want to tell you, is that never forget how God has shown up for you in times past. And stay grateful! Also, know that God is already working on your behalf even though you can’t see it yet. Trust! Then, remember! He didn’t bring you out of Egypt only to leave you in the wilderness. He’s a good God. You need to see that and remain grateful. If you are finding it difficult to remember the goodness of God to you, start by thanking Him for the gift of life, and meditate on it. Command your soul to remember it all. Ask the HolySpirit to help you remember. Before you know it, you'll be in tears in gratitude to God because He has surely done a lot even if you can't seem to see it. God has done a lot for you and He's still at work.

One last thing worthy of note, I want you to keep this in your heart because it has changed me for good. "God is much more interested in your life - academics, work, finances, marriage, family, and whatever it may be than you are.'' Because your life will always reflect Him. Your success will bring so much glory to Him so why would God not be interested in your success? If only the Israelites could see that God was indeed their God and He was solely for them. Maybe they would have just simply trusted and cast their cares upon the Lord.

The scripture says, “Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed.” Romans 10:11 GNT