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“The Israelites said to (Aaron and Moses), “If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.” Exodus 16:3

If you’re older in the faith, you’re probably familiar with the narrative of Exodus. It’s like a great novel. In it, we’re amazed at Pharaoh’s hardened heart as plague after plague hits, yet he doesn’t free the Israelites. Then, we gasp as the angel of death passes through, leaving every firstborn dead but those who’ve painted their doorposts with sacrificial lamb’s blood. Finally, we’re thrilled as millions of Jews walk on dry land through the Red Sea, escaping the pursuit of the Egyptian army…and we celebrate that army’s demise.

Ah, but then we find ourselves shaking our heads in disbelief as the Israelites—freed from bondage and daily terror—begin complaining to Moses about God. “Oh, our days in Egypt were so awesome! Remember the delicious food and good times?”

Really? Despite the constant presence of God—a pillar of smoke by day and fire by night—and miracle after miracle, the Israelites had the audacity to complain? They whined about their current circumstances and pined for the past.

But, before I get too self-righteous, I am going to admit that I do the exact same thing sometimes. In fact, just the other day, I was whining and pining…and I did so in spite of the Lord’s amazing grace, mercy and provision.

In direct parallel with the Jewish people, we were once slaves to sin, destined for death. But God, through Jesus, freed us and gave us new life. And if that weren’t enough for us to be eternally grateful, He is also gracious to provide us with family, friends, food and shelter—not to mention the very breath in our lungs.

Yet, despite all this, it’s way too easy for us to look around at our circumstances and wish for what used to be. To look back with rose-colored glasses at a past from which He clearly rescued us. There are stones of remembrance all along our paths—and His glory right in front of us. But the enemy whispers in our ears, “Don’t you remember how great life was before?”

Sisters, let’s not let the evil one turn our eyes from all the Lord has done. Let’s stay focused on where He has us now…because it’s just where He wants us. And, remember, the Promised Land is not that far away.

“Lord, forgive me for my ungratefulness and forgetfulness. Keep my eyes on You and Your miraculous grace.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life