I am in the second full week of my 90-Day challenge. It's been a battle. As stated in previous posts, this battle is for a shift in priorities: mine.

I confessed the fact that my thoughts have been allowed too much ownership over what got accomplished in my day. And selfish as my mind is, not much was done for the household, the children saw enough of me to know I was in the house and making sure they did their work. But beyond that...

Anyway, God is patient. This is not an attribute HE had to develop. It's who HE is. I've seen over and over again the complaints of the Israelites rising to God. The spies entered the land, came back with fruit larger than...

Wait, a cluster of grapes had to be carried on a pole between two guys. How large is that? And yet the ten said "It's too difficult. We are grasshoppers in our own sight." WOW!

They had been promised this land. God had shown His might, flexed His muscles and delivered these people time and again. They saw the entire nation of Israel cross the Red Sea on dry land, yet the Egyptian chariots' wheels got stuck in the mud. Now, come on! They couldn't trust God for Canaan?

They had finally complained too much, didn't they. God said those twenty years and older, except for Joshua and Caleb, would never cross over the Jordan into the promise. Then they wanted to fight. But the Lord wasn't with them.

Later, they complained again, "Hey, where's the milk, honey, pomegranates You promised?" (paraphrased)

Didn't God tell them they'd forfeited their inheritance?

Then we have the men who decided to rebel against Moses and Aaron saying, "Who are you? We hear from God too. Why do you set yourself up as prince?" (paraphrased)

Moses challenges them and says if God is with them in their rebellion, then they will die a natural death, but if not... the earth will swallow them and their households. Two hundred and fifty men swallowed up in the earth as it opened underneath them.

What did the others do? After the fear of the event wore off, they accused Moses, "You killed the men of God."

My point?

How often do we bring upon ourselves trouble then get mad at God?

Do we complain that God isn't doing what He promised and yet we refuse to take those steps of faith He's required of us?

I don't know about you, but it's time I start believing God for what He says. Doubting is pretty close--if not exactly--to calling Him a liar. Sounds harsh? Think about it. It's a truer statement than many of us want to admit. But admitting this is an attitued of my heart is the first step to getting free of it.

"You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (Jn 8:32a) Right? Exactly right!

I'm thankful God is patient with me, and opens my eyes to the truth so that I can get free of the putrid waste which so desparately wants to swallow me up in complaint.

The Lord bless you and keep you...