Keep Your Mouth Out of Trouble

Then they journeyed from Mount Hor by the Way of the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; and the soul of the people became very discouraged on the way. And the people spoke against God and against Moses: “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and our soul loathes this worthless bread.” -Numbers 21:4-5

“And the people spoke.. ” When the Israelites got discouraged, the first thing they did was speak. And if you’ll continue reading this chapter in Numbers you’ll notice what happened when they opened their mouths: They got into trouble with their muttering and complaining!

When some people are discouraged, the first One they want to accuse is God. “Oh, God, why did You get me in all this trouble? Why did this disease come on me? God, this is all your fault. I know I could never get into a mess like this all by myself.”

Others get mad at God and preachers when things don’t seem to work out right. That’s what happened in the wilderness: “The people spoke against God, and against Moses.” (v.5). The people came against the two men who had delivered them, saying, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness?”

The Israelites had been led by a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day. God had protected them every step of the way. Yet still they were discouraged! They complained, “We’re going to die out here because we don’t have any bread or water.” They seemed to forget that God had already given them fresh food from heaven and water out of a rock! Then they admitted the real problem: “Our soul loathes this worthless bread.” They just didn’t like the kind of bread God gave them!

If you need healing in your body, then no matter how long it takes for your healing to manifest, don’t let discouragement get you into trouble. Keep your mouth from complaining or blaming God. Remember, He’s already provided healing for you. Now there’s nothing left for your mouth to do but praise Him!

CONFESSION:

I want to please my Father; so I carefully watch the words I speak. Even when I face a trying situation, I’ll never blame Him, for He’s the One who heals and delivers me!

From: A Devotional for Divine Health Prescription for a Miracle, Mark Brazee, 1999