I Don’t Like the Test
Probably when you think about school, you did not like “test day” especially if you had not studied like you needed or paid attention in class! The test would show how we had paid attention and what we had learned.
As we look at our lives, we can see continued blessing but also continued testing. I wish I could say “we have arrived, the battle is over, and we can just enjoy the fruit of our effort and journey.” I can say God will show up and give us many blessings along the way but there will be the difficult days.
After my husband died, the Lord gave me a vision twice of a beautiful orchard with beautiful hanging fruit. I could not tell which fruit, but I felt the Holy Spirit say, “This is the orchard you planted and watered. You watched over this orchard in the winter and stormy times. Now it is time to pick the fruit without so much labor.” I have seen the Lord begin to fulfill that vision. I still do not like the test, but I always find He is with me. No test, no testimony.
We have discussed in previous lessons the journey of God’s people leaving Egypt and going on their new journey through the wilderness. The journey did not make sense, it seemed like a strange path, and they felt trapped. But they saw miracle after miracle but did not stop their complaining.
Exodus 16:3 “If only the Lord had killed us back in Egypt,” they moaned. “There we sat around pots filled with meat and ate all the bread we wanted. But now you have brought us into this wilderness to starve us all to death.”
I know we can learn from this example:
BE AWARE OF YOUR COMPLAINING.
It is easier to say “Yes, I will go, or I will do what you ask.” BUT:
The test will come.
16:4 I will test them in this to see whether they will follow my instructions. They were given food and specific instructions on how to pick and provide for their families.
The journey can look different.
Maybe the job did not look as you expected. I remember when a “new church” was a disappointment. People left and money was not there to meet our needs. What do we do when life is difficult? Complain? Sometimes.
BE AWARE OF GOD’S INSTRUCTIONS
As the Israelites encountered danger, shortages, and inconvenience, they complained bitterly and longed to be back in Egypt.
Difficult circumstances lead to stress.
Complaining is a natural response. They really did not want to be back in Egypt but wanted it to be a little easier.
Know the real cause of your stress.
They could not focus on the cause of their stress (in this case, lack of trust in God); they could only think about the quickest way of escape.
Ask the Holy Spirit to give you discernment in your situation.
Resist the temptation to make a quick escape.
QUOTE: “Quitters never win, and winners never quit.”
It is so easy to feel we would be “happier” if we could escape the situation. It could be in a marriage, a relationship, a career, a ministry, or many areas of our lives. To escape will never solve the problem and it will be hard to move forward.
BE AWARE OF GOD’S POWER AND WISDOM
16:9 Then Moses said to Aaron, “Announce this to the entire community of Israel: “Present yourselves before the Lord, for He has heard your complaining.”
He gives us signs to show His power.
Yes, the manna (bread) appeared on the ground each day as thin flakes like frost. The people gathered it, ground it like grain, and made it into honey tasting pancakes. The manna was God’s gift, and it just what they needed. How has God shown His power to you? I have many testimonies of His power to meet our needs.
Jesus is our daily bread.
Jesus compares himself to manna in John 6:48-51. He is our daily bread who satisfied our eternal spiritual need.
Look for His glory.
16:10 And as Aaron spoke to the whole community of Israel, they looked out toward the wilderness. There they could see the awesome glory of the Lord in the cloud. He always has power and wisdom.
We look at the children of Israel and criticize their complaining. It did keep them from the promised land. But God showed up daily in their lives.
16:17 Each family had just what it needed. He is MORE THAN ENOUGH. We forget His blessings so many times and see the test instead of the blessings.
CONCLUSION:
I know I am speaking to many who have heard their orders from God and began their journey. Then I know some of you may be looking for your instructions for your journey.
GOD DID NOT FORGET HIS PEOPLE. He heard their cry in Egypt. He made a way for them to escape and go to the Promised Land. God has and will not forget us.
*CONTINUE TO SEEK. CONTNUE TO LISTEN FOR HIS VOICE AND WHEN YOU HEAR IT. CONTINUE TO OBEY.
There will be TESTS along the way. But God will provide what you need. It won’t be manna but what do you need for you and your family?
We are His chosen people. He will not fail us. Let’s learn our lesson from this example. YOU CAN PASS THE TEST.
16:11 You will have meat to eat, and in the morning, you will have all the bread you want. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.