Casandra Martin

I am always amazed at the Israelites. After months of watching the Lord overpower the gods of Egypt, the people of God walk on dry ground through a sea parted by His hand. They stand on the other side, watching as their enemy is washed away. They march in freedom, led by the cloud and pillar of His presence, toward the land of promise. They are a free people, a redeemed people, a people with a hope and a future.

Three days later, they start complaining. As their thirst grows, so do their doubts about God’s good intentions toward them. They wonder out loud about God’s wisdom, question His power, and begin to look longingly back at Egypt. They stand in the presence of the One who turned the Nile into blood and parted the waters of the Red Sea, unsure if He can provide water in the desert.

Of course, He does. He brings water from a rock. He sends manna and quail to feed their hunger. He guides them by day, provides light in the darkness, protects them from enemies, and offers them His heart. And over and over again, instead of praise and surrender, their response is arguing and complaining.

How many times do I stand in their shoes? I want to believe that if I experienced what they did, I would be a pillar of faith, resolute in my desire to serve the Lord. In reality, I am too much like them. God works in my life every day. He answers prayers, provides for my needs, guides my feet, creates a path through difficulties, and offers me His heart. Each exercise of His goodness should cement my heart in His faithfulness and secure my soul in His love. Too often, I complain. I argue about timing, demand answers to my questions, am impatient when called to wait, and grumble about not getting what I want.

Philippians 2:14 says, “Do everything without complaining or arguing.” Everything is a big word. God calls me to be content instead of complaining. He offers opportunities for adoration in moments when I tend to argue. He wants me to take His hand, knowing that wherever I walk today, He will be with me, provide for me, and show me the best path to His heart.

My Jesus Resolution today is to go through the whole day without complaining. I am going to watch my tongue and put a guard around my heart. I am going to refocus my eyes and look for the ways God is already at work around me. I am going to wait with joy, pray with persistence, and be thankful in everything. Today I am going to enter the No Complaining Zone. Will you walk with me?