Tuesday, 5^th December 2023

Pastor Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: LIVE ABOVE COMPLAINING

THEME SCRIPTURE: "And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord: and the Lord heard it; and his anger was kindled, and the fire of the Lord burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp." Numbers 11:1

 PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. Why do we complain in difficult times as Christians?
2. How does God respond to complaints?

No one likes difficult times. However, Jesus makes it clear that as a true disciple, the world will hate you and me (John 15:19). Every disciple of Christ must recognize and accept that the world system and the devil will make things difficult for us. But hey, be of good cheer, Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33).

The reason why the devil and the world will continue to make life difficult for us is that they want to break our focus. Continuously looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), is what guarantees progress and success for the child of God. The moment we take our gaze off Jesus, we begin to sink (Matthew 14:30). It is this focus (on Jesus) the devil cannot stand and therefore he will do everything to break our focus. Should we allow him to break our focus? Of course not. If a Christian understands this truth he will not worry when the world makes life tough for him.

Complaining produces no power but rather curtails the power of God in the life of a believer. Thus, any time we complain we are expressing disbelief in God’s power just because we found ourselves in an unusual situation.

Precious One, always remember this – success is not primarily by what you have or what you can do. Success is primarily by who is with you. If God is for you, even if you have nothing in your hand, you are more than a conqueror. Don’t trust money more than God, such that when you are without money you feel sick or incapable. Yet, your father (the Holy Spirit) who dwells in you is greater than all (John 10:29). This is what God wanted to teach the children of Israel so He plunged them into the wilderness. Without farms and without an economy, God showed them He can feed them for 40 years without a job. And that, it is not about being in the wilderness but it is about who is with you in this life. If you have Jesus, fear not and complain not. Your wilderness will be more pleasant than the one who dwells by the Nile, without God.

I have heard some Christians go to God in prayer and instead of telling God what they want, they complain – Lord, why me?

What do you want, Precious One? Focus on that. God allowed you into this difficult situation so that the glory of God might be revealed in you. Don’t focus on the problem; focus on who is with you in the midst of the problem. What do you want? Name it and have it. Can you come confidently before the throne of grace? You are sure to find grace and obtain mercy in times of need.

Precious One, any time you come into difficulty and your options seem exhausted, do this. Ask yourself – is God with me and am I with God? If your answer is a resounding ‘Yes’, walk through the fire. It will not burn you. Step on the water, and it will part for you, or strike the rock and it shall bring you sweet waters. During your difficult times lift up the few loaves of bread and give thanks because it will be multiplied in your hands. Never complain; let the glory of God be seen in your life and situations. Praise God!

FURTHER READING – John 5:1-9

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. Are you going through difficult times? Are you losing your composure as a child of God? Have you been complaining lately? Rise up and pray (Psalms 56:9)

      Need resources to help you pray effectively? Check out our ‘Setting Sail’ Prayer Bullets

 

CONFESSION

Precious Father, I repent this day from every moment I have complained about life situations. I recognize this day that it is not about how much I have or do not have. With God (jointly working with you), all things are possible. Today, I choose to make big plans and confidently march forward in life because my Father who dwells in me and with me is greater all. I have no fear or worry this day. Therefore I give thanks to you Father, for who you are and for everything, in Jesus’ Precious Name.  Glory to God!

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

Job 6; Job 7; Micah 2; Hebrews 12