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Day 144 – Provision Numbers 20:1 Then the children of Israel came into the Wilderness of Zin in the first month, and the people stayed in Kadesh; and Miriam died there and was buried there. 2 Now there was no water for the congregation; so, they gathered against Moses and Aaron. 3 The people contended with Moses and spoke, saying, “If only we had died when our brethren died before JEHOVAH! 4 Why have you brought up the assembly of JEHOVAH into this wilderness, that we and our animals should die here? 5 Why have you made us come up out of Egypt, to bring us to this evil place? It is not a place of grain or figs or vines or pomegranates; nor is there water to drink.” 6 Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the door of the tabernacle of meeting and fell on their faces. And the glory of JEHOVAH appeared to them. 7 Then JEHOVAH spoke to Moses, saying, 8 “Take the rod; you and your brother Aaron gather the congregation together. Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water; thus, you will bring water for them out of the rock and give drink to the congregation and their animals.” 9 Moses took the rod from before JEHOVAH as He commanded him. 10 Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock; and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?” 11 Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their animals drank. 12 Then JEHOVAH spoke to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you will not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.” 13 This was the water of Meribah, because the children of Israel contended with JEHOVAH, and He was hallowed among them. God’s name: JEHOVAH – Self-existent, Eternal God’s character: Holy Provider How often do you complain? People complain about everything. Nothing satisfies them, even when things go well. It’s hard being around complainers and negative people. The children of Israel came to the wilderness of Zin and complained because of the lack of water. They complained to Moses and Aaron about the lack of water and told them it was better in Egypt, forgetting they complained there too because of the bitter hardship they had there, even preferring to be there with water instead of in the wilderness without water. Moses and Aaron went to the tabernacle of the meeting and bowed on their faces before JEHOVAH. JEHOVAH told them to take the rod and speak to the rock. When they did, He would provide water for them. In his anger, Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it and JEHOVAH provided water for the people and their animals. What was your latest complaint before JEHOVAH? It’s hard to be around people who call themselves Christians when they complain about everything. They are the ones who want the spotlight. They want to oversee every committee, then complain about the lack of people who help on those committees. They complain as they do the work they wanted to oversee. They want a better position in the congregation and complain when they get it. Nothing satisfies. Ministers become disheartened and often leave for another congregation because of the strong contention in the congregation. How do you stop people from complaining? Give them what they want. Israel wanted water to drink. Moses and Aaron went to JEHOVAH to solve the problem. JEHOVAH told them what to do, but Moses was angry with the people and didn’t follow JEHOVAH’S instructions of speaking to the rock. Instead, he struck the rock twice, and water poured from the rock. What do you want to see in your congregation or your life? Did you go to JEHOVAH in prayer asking instead of complaining? How often do you complain to JEHOVAH when you pray? Do you get answers? If you get answers, are you happy with the answer, or is it another reason to complain? Determine to stop complaining about everything in your life and turn your complaint into thanksgiving for what you have. JEHOVAH will provide you with everything you need. Your thanksgiving could lead to blessings you didn’t expect or pray about. Let’s pray: Father, help me trust You to provide everything I need in Your timing, not mine. When I want to complain, turn my complaint into a prayer of thanksgiving for Your provision. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 10 June 2024 by Valerie Routhieaux The image belongs to me.