Exodus 16 -- When We Are Heartbroken

The Israelites had been gone from Egypt about a month.  Worried about lack of water, they'd grumbled against God in the last chapter and in grace He'd provided for them.  They really hadn't even given Him a chance!  Now in this chapter they do the same thing with food.  They remembered the meals they'd had in Egypt but apparently not the beatings and hard work.  My commentary said, "They said they wished the Lord had killed them in Egypt when they were full rather than in the desert when they were empty!  Little did these Israelites know that they would one day get their request, for the entire older generation would die in the wilderness and never get to the Promised Land."

"God heard their murmurings and His grace met their needs."  He promised they'd have quail that night and 'bread' the next morning.  "By giving them these special provisions, He was also testing them to see if they would believe and obey ... When we hurt, it's a normal response to ask 'Why?' but that is the wrong approach to take.  For one thing, when we ask God that question, we're assuming a superior posture and giving the impression that we're in charge and God is accountable to us.  God is sovereign and doesn't have to explain anything to us unless He wants to.  Asking 'Why?' also assumes that if God did explain His plans and purposes to us, we'd understand everything perfectly and feel better ... Explanations don't heal broken hearts, but promises do, because promises don't depend on faith, and faith puts us in contact with the grace of God."  

Father, please help me to remember this when I'm dealing with a broken heart.  Remind me of Your love and care and Your great knowledge and control over everything happening in my life.  Help me to trust and obey.

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford