Numbers 14:1 Then all the congregation raised a loud cry, and the people wept that night. And all the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The whole congregation said to them, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! Why is the Lord bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become a prey. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?” And they said to one another, “Let us choose a leader and go back to Egypt.” Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the people of Israel. And Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes and said to all the congregation of the people of Israel, “The land, which we passed through to spy it out, is an exceedingly good land. If the Lord delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them.” Then all the congregation said to stone them with stones. But the glory of the Lord appeared at the tent of meeting to all the people of Israel.
The cry of the people while in Egypt was heard by God and he delivered them out of the hand of slavery with many mighty wonders and miraculous deeds. These powerful acts of God were witnessed by the Israelites time and time again. Each of these acts also demonstrated God’s love for His chosen. Each of these acts should have resulted in a rock-solid firm foundation of faith in the limitless power, might, strength, and sovereignty of God. Again in the wilderness, God demonstrated His love, justice and awesome deeds supplying food, water, and leading them. His judgment was carried out against grumbling, stiff-necked responses to His love and leading, and disobedience.
So why did they so easily turn away from his leading time and time again? Trust, Reliance, Faith, Hope, and Remaining True were lacking and no matter what God had shown them and no matter how many times they were delivered and no matter how many times they repented. Their lack of belief did not allow them to experience the love and power of God deep in their heart, soul, and mind. Without a trusting in, relying on, and steadfast belief in God there is no satisfaction, purpose, or hope. This belief/faith must be based on truth and is forged in trials we face. “Now faith is the substance/assurance of things hoped for, the conviction/evidence of things not seen.”
Belief eliminates the grumbling heart and places a thankful trusting satisfaction within the soul. We find more and more understanding and knowledge of God when we spend more and more time in His word with a heart of belief.
Ask God to open up His word to your soul. Ask Him for wisdom and understanding in it’s application to your life. Ask Him to open your eyes to His wonders and your ears to His leading. Believe and remain steadfast in your total reliance on Him.