Hello world!
Today I woke up not really smiling as I would like to say, but I can’t complain. My little sister picks a new alarm tone every night on our family iPad to use so I can wake up peacefully to sweet sounds. As I get into the shower I remember to smile and be grateful for my new day. I try to have a great attitude, but my heart screams,”I want to sleep some more and not wake up for a long time.”
I wearily step out of the bathroom fresh and ready for the day to begin. Although, I’m still tired and a little moody from wake up. I plunk down in my cozy over sized lime green moon chair and get out my Bible to hear what the Father has to say. I start in Numbers chapter 11, not what I was expecting, but I didn’t know that this would fit me perfectly.
1 Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the Lord, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. 4 The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, “If only we had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. 6 But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!”
10 Moses heard the people of every family wailing at the entrance to their tents. The Lord became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled. 11 He asked the Lord, “Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me? 12 Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant, to the land you promised on oath to their ancestors? 13 Where can I get meat for all these people? They keep wailing to me, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ 14 I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. 15 If this is how you are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me—if I have found favor in your eyes—and do not let me face my own ruin.”
– Numbers 11:1, 4-6, 10-15 NIV
Well, apparently I am not the only one who likes to really give God a hard time.
When the Israelite company was traveling in the desert and needed food, the Lord gave them manna. Could you imagine that if you were a homeless person, and God sent food from the sky to satisfy you? In heaven, everything is perfect, so this manna must have been one of the healthiest things for you! The Bible says it was like a pastry prepared with oil. That sounds yummy.
It seems impossible for the Children of Israel to complain about manna of all things! But, don’t we complain for the dumbest reasons, too? “Awww! I can’t watch that?” or “Why does she get to go?” “I can’t believe I have to wake up early.” “Do I have to take a shower?” See what I mean?
Our world really is fallen if a 12 year old girl complains about getting clean.I’m sure a child who lives in the slums in India would love a shower any day! Or a little boy in Sudan would love to read the Bible – if he had one. We are truly privileged to live where we do and to complain against all God has done for us is totally ungrateful. To be grateful is to let Jesus know that you appreciate Him. To complain is like a slap in the face. My mother says that even complaining about my looks tells The Father that He messed up. The creator of heaven and earth made everything, so don’t you think He knows something about giving you a blessed life?
Our Father in Heaven loves us so much that He died for you and me on a cross. He took it for us. He could have said,”forget it,” but He said,”No. I have to do it for Emily, because I love her.” Instead of my name, put yours (personalizing makes the Father’s love much clearer)! That’s how much He loves you. May you have a blessed day and remember that he wants the absolute best for you! When things don’t go right, just remember that He has a plan!
So long,
Emily 🙂
P.S. Here’s a verse to encourage you today! Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
P.P.S My dad couldn’t find the follow button on my blog, so, if you want to follow me but can’t find the button, it’s on the bottom right hand corner! 🙂
