Canaan is in sight! Onward to victory! All Israel has to do is trust God and move forward in conquest of Canaan. But, lusting for flesh (meat) to eat, once again they murmur, and failure is inevitable (Num. 11:4-34).

On their way to the promised land, the Israelites were always complaining about something. They failed to see that every problem, every disappointment, and every difficulty was a test of their faith and an opportunity for them to trust God to supply their every need. My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19). Thanksgiving and praise should have been their reaction. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (I Thess. 5:18). Be filled with the Spirit . . . Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 5:18-20). But here they complained that manna was "nothing at all" compared to all the fine food that was in Egypt.

When the people complained, it displeased the Lord. . . . And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said. . . . We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely. . . . But now . . . there is nothing at all (Num. 11:1,4-6). God answered their prayer for meat (11:31,33); however, it was in His permissive will rather than His perfect will, for He gave them their request; but sent (it resulted in) leanness into their soul (Ps. 106:15).

God does send trials to test our faith as well as to provide an opportunity to reveal Himself as the All-Sufficient One. The Lord permits adverse circumstances in which we may discover that our feelings are not trustworthy. We must come to that place where we can truly say, we . . . have no confidence in the flesh (Phil. 3:3).

The believer's satisfaction and pleasure will be discovered by reading and believing all of the Word of God and leaving the outcome of our situations to Him. Although we do not understand it, all things (do) work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28). We should be content with what Christ has chosen for us, knowing that it is always in our best interest without exception. Paul wrote: I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content (Phil. 4:11). We also need to pray as Jesus did: Not My will, but Thine, be done (Luke 22:42).

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure (Phil. 2:13).

Thought for Today:

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding (Prov. 3:5).

Christ Revealed:

The two trumpets were made of silver (Num. 10:2). Silver in the Bible stands for truth. Christ is The Way, The Truth, and The Life (John 14:6).

Word Studies:

10:10 solemn days appointed feasts, fasts, and Sabbaths; 10:21 against they came before their arrival; 11:6 our soul is dried away dissatisfied and discouraged.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Radio Broadcasts sponsored by a Family That Loves Jesus • Government Officials: Rep. Randy Forbes (VA) and Rep. Jim Jordan (OH) • Country: Tibet (province of China) (4.6 million, from 1990 census) in eastern Asia • Major language: Tibetan • The Chinese government is still committed to promoting atheism, while at the same time, officially permitting Lamaism (a form of Buddhism) • 97% Tibetan Buddhist; 1% Muslim; 1% Bon; 1% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Thank God for sending the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-8).

Optional Reading: Luke 4

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:4