The next prayer in this series is also from the book of numbers. 

In this section of the bible Plan the author told a story about 2 boys who were discussing Elijah’s dramatic chariot ride when God took him home. One boy said to the other “Wouldn’t you be afraid to ride in a chariot of fire?” , “Nahh,” replied the second, “not if God drove.” Woww, what great faith that little boy demonstrated. Moses had the same kind of faith in Numbers 11:11-15. 

Numbers 11:11-15

And Moses said to the LORD, “Why are you treating me, your servant, so harshly? Have mercy on me! What did I do to deserve the burden of all these people? Did I give birth to them? Did I bring them into the world? Why did you tell me to carry them in my arms like a mother carries a nursing baby? How can I carry them to the land you swore to give their ancestors? Where am I supposed to get meat for all these people? They keep whining to me, saying, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ I can’t carry all these people by myself! The load is far too heavy! If this is how you intend to treat me, just go ahead and kill me. Do me a favor and spare me this misery!”

 

You may be asking, but Moses was complaining, how did he show faith? Earlier on in the chapter, verse 1 says : Soon the people began to complain about their hardship, and the LORD heard everything they said. Then the LORD’s anger blazed against them, and he sent a fire to rage among them, and he destroyed some of the people in the outskirts of the camp. The Israelities complained, and then Moses also complained. However, God responded positively to Moses and negatively to the rest of the people. Why was this? The people complained to one another, and nothing was accomplished. Moses took his complaint to God, the only one who could solve all their problems. 

Now, bringing this closer to home, many of us are good at complaining to each other about the many things that happen in our lives. We need to learn to take our problems to the One who can actually do something about them. Don’t get me wrong, it is good to talk to friends in order to get advice and support from them. But God has already told us to cast our cares and burdens onto him and he will take care of us (Psalms 55:22)  There are times when our fellow human beings let us down, after all they are only human. They also go through things they cannot handle. Many of us make the mistake of discussing every little dilemma in our lives with friends and family instead of the one who knows the end from the beginning, God. 

As long as God was in control, Moses knew he could cope with the problems of leadership. Understanding his limitations, Moses cried: I am not able to bear all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me. 
In the 21st century, many of us like to think of ourselves as being self-sufficient. However, a person that is wise recognises his or her own limitations and depends on the presence and strength of God for their daily life. Letting God drive takes the tension out of living. When we learn to cast all our cares on Him, we move to a maturity in the Lord that gives peace and joy. Too often, we try to rip the steering wheel away from God to do things our own way. When this happens, we always get frustrated and lonely. Today, just like Moses did, may we leave the driving to God, admit we cannot bear our own burdens, and receive the rest He has promised for us.

So, before you complain and run to your friends about something you’re struggling with , go to God. Seek God’s face first! Let God drive! 

Stay blessed,

Dara x