Israel's unbelief and complaining is a lesson for God's people now living on earth. Many people today are amazed at the Israelites' unbelief. People today are surprised that the Israelites complained constantly even though the Lord had given the Israelites proof of His love and care for them. People today feel the Israelites should have been so more thankful. But when God tests the faith of these people today, sometimes by little things, many of them have no more faith and patience than did the Israelites. SRme 1.511
Many people who have their present needs supplied do not trust God with the future. They do not believe and they become sad when they think that their needs may not be supplied. Some people are afraid they will become poor and their children will suffer. People today have difficulties and problems that test their faith and their love for God. Then they complain at the way that God has chosen to help them improve their characters. They show that their love for God, is not strong enough. SRme 1.512
The faith of God's people should be strong, active, and lasting. God's people should "be sure of the things . . . [they] hope for" (Heb. 11:1). Then they will say, "Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name, for He has been generous to me." SRme 1.513
Some people think they are suffering when they do not get everything they want. They do not deny self. They eat whatever they like. They do not care if the food is not good for their health. Many Christians who should say "No" to unhealthy food feel they would starve if they had to eat plain food. The same as the Israelites, they choose slavery, diseased bodies, and death rather than giving up unhealthy food. Bread and water is all that is promised to God's people in the time of trouble. SRme 1.514