Manna From Heaven

Numbers 11:4-6

“Now the mixed multitude who were among them yielded to intense craving; so the children of Israel also wept again and said: “Who will give us meat to eat? We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!”

I’m surprised more often than I’d like to confess at how quickly I can grumble about my present circumstances, and paint a rosey picture for myself of how things were in the “good old days”. By trade I am a truck driver, having been at it for over 30 years. While I have other skills, this is the area that God has allowed me to be blessed. This is my manna from heaven. He has used my occupation to provide for me and my family, and even though things are good I have a tendency at times to focus on the negative. Just as the Israelites grumbled about all the “good times” in Egypt and forgot about that whole slavery thing, I too have my moments. For example, I complain about traffic, but forget that most of the world’s population has never ridden in an automobile. I complain about all the careless drivers, but forget to praise God for my safe travel. I grumble under my breath about how I hate what I do (sometimes), and forget to thank God that I have a job at all. Like the Israelites I complain about not having “meat”. Instead I should be grateful that God doesn’t give me what I want (or deserve, yikes!)

Now I know that none of you have been there, so you probably can’t relate (tongue thoroughly in cheek), but pray for me since perfection continues to elude me. Actually, I am grateful not be perfect – just imagine what my ramblings might be like then…….