The Consequences of Complaining

I was praying the other day and the Lord brought something to mind. I was convicted lately about complaining and this is the thought the Lord gave me:
The Israelites were known for their grumbling and complaining in the wilderness. God had taken them from Egypt with the promise of the land flowing with milk and honey; all they had to do was follow Him. Yet, what did they do? Murmur and complain
*See Exodus 16:7-12, 17:3 and Numbers 14:1-4, 26-34 They complained about not having food, then water, and then that they were going to be defeated by their enemies. They complained to Moses and Aaron, who in turn said “Hey! Why are you complaining to us? We are just doing what God tells us! You aren’t complaining about our decisions, you are complaining about God’s” (Yes, this is my paraphrased version.)
Think of the results of their complaining. God didn’t allow them to go into the Promised Land, He killed them off. They ruined their chance of the greatest blessings of God by complaining, they saw God work and lead, yet still they complained.

Now to the practical application:
God has led me to this college and He’s “called” me to study here because it’s going to prepare me for the Promised Land later. But if I keep sitting around murmuring and complaining about the changes I don’t like I’m not complaining about the authorities’ decisions in my life, I’m complaining about God’s decisions!
I may miss out on the greatest blessings of God because I repeatedly disobey with my complaining. So, I can stop and have the chance to see the Promised Land (God’s specific will for me later) or I can keep complaining and risk the chance of God taking me out. He may not do it physically but I may never get to do His specific will for my life because I will not trust the way He is leading. Quite a sobering thought.
So, my challenge is: Will you continue complaining when you think about the severe consequences of it against our God?
Just remember that complaining about one thing in your life leads to complaining about everything in your life. It’s like a disease, but Praise the Lord it’s curable!

Benefits of the Will of God

Colossians 1:9-14
Paul was telling the Colossians that he was praying for them to find God’s will and do it. When we find God’s will and do it there are some things that may come with our obedience:
1. You’ll be walking worthy of the Lord – When we do His will we are pleasing Him and accepting what He’s told us to do.
2. You’ll be fruitful in all you do – Now you might not see the fruit, but your labor is not in vain.
3. You’ll grow closer to the Lord – Your knowledge of Him will increase which will strengthen your relationship with Him.
4. You’ll be strengthened – God gives strength to the weary, strength to those who are afraid, and strength those who are weak.
Eph. 3:20 – We have the power to see God do above and beyond the normal with His strength and power.
5. You’ll be given strength in patience ad you’ll have joy while showing it – We are never patient all the time, there is always at least one area where we are lacking in patience. But it is possible to suffer through things and still have joy.
6. You’ll realize all you have to give thanks for – Did you ever stop to think of all God’s given you? He’s given so much, Thank Him!
What are some things to be thankful for?
a. He’s given us eternal life
b. He’s delivered us from Satan and will continue to do so
c. He’s given us a home in Heaven
d. He’s bought us with His blood and call us His brethren
e. He’s forgiven us of all sins – past, present, and future.

The real question is: why don’t people want to do the will of God when there are so many benefits from doing it?

*originally taken from a journal entry from September 2008*