We started out backpacking on a beautiful cool sunny day in the gorgeous Grand Tetons. About five miles in the sun gave way to a light nonstop rain which turned into a very heavy snowfall. The puddles on the trail were beginning to freeze. Slipping on the icy trail, we were wet and our toes were going numb.
It would be getting dark soon and too late to turn back. We looked to pitch our tent anywhere possible, but the terrain was way steep and rocky. We had heard there was a big cave along the trail and hoped it was just ahead.
While quickly hiking and almost sprinting up the trail we came to an abrupt stop by encountering a huge adult moose right near the trail. We quietly sat behind a rock whispering, freezing and waiting for the moose to leave hoping that the cave would be just be around the bend. We were asking, “Are we there yet?”
We all inevitably come to place where we ask the same kind of question. How long will this ache of disappointment last? How long will I have to go through this? How long do I endure this relationship? Will this sickness ever go away? How many resumes do I need to send out before I’m offered a job? How long until we get to the cave for shelter from the storm?
Within a few weeks after their miraculous deliverance from Egypt the Israelites began to complain about their condition. It was very dry in the desert, but very fertile for complaining. They had had enough. They were done. They made it very clear that they were sick of their situation and the manna protests broke out, cars were overturned and people were arrested. It wasn’t pretty.
It wasn’t the best of Israeli history, but there are three truths we can learn from their wilderness journey. When we’re struggling it’s easy to play the blame game, so the Hebrews blamed Moses.
Breakdown Happens
Have you known someone who had a breakdown when they’ve been discarded or treated like thrash? It seems all of us will inevitably come to this place. Moses was deeply exasperated with the incessant complaining of his fellow Jews. He didn’t ask for this. After all, it wasn’t his fault. It was intolerable. He just couldn’t take it anymore. Maybe you can’t either?
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? Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? 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?
Where can I get meat for all these people? They keep wailing to me, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. 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 11:11-15
Can you relate to Moses’ heavy heart? How am I going to make it through this? While it’s dry in the desert it’s also fertile ground for God to provide.
God’s Provision Happens
By the way, when we finally found refuge in the cave we discovered there was already twenty people keeping each other warm around a huge fire. Gods knows and does provide.
The Lord said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the tent of meeting that they may stand there with you. I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the power of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them. They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone.” Numbers 11:16-17
How will you provide Lord? Sometimes God provides financially through our diligence at work or by telling us to scale back. Some of us need to grasp that certain luxuries that use to be normal are now out of the question. Sometimes God’ provisions come from a place we least expect, but God can provide you contentment.
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Philippians 4:11-12
When you’re in the desert and don’t know where to start, what to say or what to do then join us next time for the third truth.
