(Exodus 16:1&2) In the desert the whole community grumbled against moses and Aaron.  The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in Egypt!  There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.”

I remember wondering what was wrong with the Israelites.  God had delivered them from slavery, and he did it with amazing demonstrations of his power.  Why would they not wait patiently for God to provide?  Well, the answer to this question can be easily answered; they were human beings.  How do I come to such an easy conclusion, because I am just like them.

I have recently been cured of cancer for the second time.  Not only have I been cured, but I have seen the hand of God and experienced his peace and provision through it all.  What reason would I have to complain?

After Chemotherapy, The last part of my cancer treatment was radiation.  I endured three weeks of daily radiation to my throat and neck.  One of the side effects was the complete, hopefully temporary, loss of my ability to taste, and this was coupled with a very painful sore throat.  I was told that the pain would subside, and my tasting ability should return within two to four weeks.  Before the end of my first week of recovery, I had had enough!  Trying to get nourishment was a challenge I was not winning.  Everything I put in my mouth tasted like paste, and my natural instincts said don’t eat that to the point of nausea. I was in a desert of nutrients, and yes, I began to complain.

Now I am in my second week of recovery, and I’ve had a few signs that recovery might actually happen.  With an improved attitude, I was able to stop complaining and repent before the Lord. I am relying on God’s abundant mercy for his forgiveness.   

Like the Ancient Israelites, in my fallen nature, I fell into complaining about my condition; and like them, I forgot all about the miraculous things God has done in my life.  Surviving cancer twice might be a good place to start remembering.  Being patient and trusting in God’s timing always remains the right choice.  Sometimes, in a moment of despair, we can forget that he’s for us and not against us.

So now the question is, will I become discouraged and start complaining again, or will I patiently wait upon the Lord?  I am reminded that without Jesus I can do nothing; with Jesus, I can do all things.  I’m going to give every effort to stay close to Jesus.  With his help, I can overcome my frustration and wait patiently.