EXODUS 15:24

And the people murmured against Moses, saying, "What shall we drink?"

Hot springs and cold springs are found side by side in some parts of Mexico. Because of the

convenience of this natural phenomenon, women often bring their laundry to such places so they

can boil their clothes in the hot springs and then rinse them in the cold ones.

A tourist who was watching this procedure commented to his Mexican guide, "I imagine they

think Mother Nature is pretty generous to supply such ample, clean, hot and cold water here side

by side for their free use." The guide replied, "No, Señor, there is much grumbling because she

supplies no soap."

Ingratitude is not limited to Mexican peasants; Israel demonstrated the same attitude. God had

just performed some awe-inspiring miracles for His people's benefit. He had slain the first born

of Egypt so that Pharaoh would free the Israelites.

He had provided a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire at night to guide their journey. He

had opened the Red Sea for them to cross and brought it crashing back on the Egyptian army

pursuing them. Yet when they hit their first snag, instead of trusting God, they turned to

complaining.

Times of need are times for praying, not complaining. Complaining says to God, "You aren't

taking very good care of me." Prayer says to God, "I may not understand what's happening, but I

trust You to take care of me."

Do you feel life is treating you unfairly? Are you tempted to complain? Try this. Take a

notebook and list some of the marvelous things God has already done in your life, such as

providing your salvation, a measure of health, a supportive family and an inspired Bible. Then

look with confidence that He will provide for your situation today as well.

NOTHING CURES INGRATITUDE AS QUICKLY AS A GOOD MEMORY.

WOODROW KROLL

www.backtothebible.in