Stop Complaining: Don’t Be Doug and Wendy Whiner (Part Two)

Stop Complaining: Don’t Be Doug and Wendy Whiner (Part Two)

Jeff Cavins

Do you find yourself complaining often? In this two-part episode, Jeff shares some passages from the Old Testament about complaining, and relates our frustrations with the frustrations of the Israelites in the wilderness.

Missed Part One? Listen here!

Snippet of the Show

“When people complain and whine, they may be expressing a thirst for God they’re not yet aware of.”

Review from Last Week:

  1. What areas of your life do you think you complain about more?
  2. Who in your life would you be most fearful of if you were to ask them about your whining ways?
  3. In the areas above, what would you guess Jesus would say to counter your complaining?

The 14 Tantrums of Israel in the Desert

Complaining about Moses’ Leadership

  1. Exodus 5:1-22 (The people complained to Moses that because of him, Pharaoh made things worse for them)
  2. Exodus 14:11-12 (The people complained about their situation and said to Moses “let us alone”)
  3. Numbers 12:1-12 (Miriam and Aaron complain about Moses’ leadership)
  4. Numbers 14:10 (The people continue to complain and wanted to kill Moses and find a new leader)
  5. Numbers 16 (Leaders rebel against Moses)
  6. Numbers 16:41 (The people complained again believing that Moses was trying to kill God’s people)
  7. Numbers 20:1-5 (The people complain to Moses about water again, this time with terrible results for Moses)

Complaining about Water

  1. Exodus 15:22-23 (The people complained about the bitter water)
  2. Exodus 17:1-4 (The people complained about being thirsty)

Complaining about Food

  1. Exodus 16:1-4 (The people complained about being hungry; God gives them Manna)
  2. Numbers 11 (The multitude of rabble rousers along with the people of God complained about food)

Complaining about God

  1. Exodus 32:28 (The people forsake the Lord and worship the golden calf at Mt. Sinai)
  2. Numbers 14:1-10 (The people complained about how difficult it looked to conquer the giants in Canaan so they refused to enter the Promised Land)
  3. Numbers 21:4-5 (The people complained against God and Moses resulting in the fiery serpents)

What to Do if You’re a Complainer:

  1. Acknowledge that complaining is the frustration of thwarted desires and hope deferred: It’s the expression of those who try everything but the Lord. Complaining is a way to place blame for you not living the way your flesh wants to live.
  2. Go to confession
  3. Make restitution: If you have been hard on your family, friends, colleagues, apologize to them.

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