Forget Not All His Benefits

Forget Not All His Benefits
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The children of Israel complained to God not long after they had passed through the Red Sea. "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and cattle with thirst?" (Exodus 17:3)

Let's examine the stupidity of this accusation against Moses and ultimately, against God. In essence the children of Israel were saying that they had figured out the plan of God. God delivered them from four hundred years of slavery in Egypt. He sent Moses as a deliverer to bring them through each plague the Egyptians suffered. They were brought through the Red Sea safely while God drowned the Egyptians behind them. God did all of this for the children of Israel just so He could bring them to this place to kill them!

While this may sound silly to you, YOU HAVE DONE THE SAME! How many times have you thought you were going to die in your present situation? You were saying the same thing as the Israelites were in the wilderness. "I have figured out the plan of God. He chose me before the foundation of the earth to be accepted in Jesus. He saved me from Satan's kingdom and brought me into His own. He has given me eternal life. He has filled me with the Holy Spirit and taken care of every need I have had. He has paid my bills, supplied food and clothing and given me numerous other blessings. All of this was done to bring me to this place and watch me die!" No, the God who has taken care of you in every situation will continue to take care of you from now until you die or Jesus returns.

The Word tells us to "forget not all his benefits." We are commanded to "remember the former days." Looking back and seeing all God has done for you in the past will strengthen your faith for the present situation. Although the Red Sea had only been a few days before, the Israelites forgot the mighty act of God as they looked at their present situation. No wonder we are commanded to "set our affection on things above and not on things of the earth." God's promises should take priority over the distresses of life. It is important to meditate on the Word each day and begin the day with scriptures. Meditation should take place day and night because these are the times when Satan attacks--day and night. Make a list of promises, or buy a good book with the promises of God listed. Promises w ill overcome problems.

Bob Yandian