TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness … to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart….” Deuteronomy 8:2a
Listen: Matthew 4
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Egypt was a harsh place for Israel. Enslaved for 400 years, the people cried out to God to set them free. He set them free by leading them right into another harsh place—the desert wilderness. Wanting them to grow spiritually through their wilderness experience, God provides Israel with bread that miraculously appears every day. But the same food every day gets boring and they bitterly complain. Their complaining is evidence of a deeper issue—no appreciation or trust in God.
Satan tempts Jesus in a similar wilderness situation. Satan tempts Jesus to turn stones into bread to satisfy his hunger. In response, Jesus quotes Moses, “Man does not live by bread alone” (Deuteronomy 8:2-3). Jesus has a heart of trust in God’s plan—not what’s coming for dinner.
We like to complain about God’s provisions too. A heart of complaint says, “I know better than God does. He’s not worth trusting. This job isn’t what I asked for, this girlfriend requires too much from me, retirement is boring . . .” Don’t let the “desert” times in your life cause a “faith quake.” Remember the many things God has done for you and choose to be grateful.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Admit to God you tend to complain when things don’t go your way. Ask him to give you the heart of Jesus that says, “Thank you for giving me ______________ and help me appreciate your provision and plan for my life.”
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
