Feb 28 - What Does It Take To Believe?

Read Numbers 14:1-11

Context: When the Israelites were in the desert after leaving Egypt, they sent 12 spies into the land that was promised them. Although the spies returned with wonderful news about the glory of the land, ten of them said that the people living in the land were so huge that the Israelites would be crushed if they attempted to move in. This text is the response of the Israelites to the spies report.

Text:
1 That night all the people of the community raised their voices and wept aloud. 2 All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, "If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this desert! 3 Why is the LORD bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn't it be better for us to go back to Egypt?" 4 And they said to each other, "We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt."
5 Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown in front of the whole Israelite assembly gathered there. 6 Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes 7 and said to the entire Israelite assembly, "The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. 8 If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. 9 Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them."
10 But the whole assembly talked about stoning them. Then the glory of the LORD appeared at the Tent of Meeting to all the Israelites. 11 The LORD said to Moses, "How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them? (NIV)

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It's so easy to judge the Israelites and their 'on again - off again' faith. But are we any better? Not as a society, but as Christians? It is really easy to believe in God when you look at a sparkling snow covered field on a sunny day, when you see a newborn baby, or when God gives you the desires of your heart. It is much harder to believe and not to grumble when you get a bad diagnosis at the doctor, a child dies, or when a natural disaster, like a hurricane, destroys your life. Many turn away from God at these times, stating that they don't want to believe in a God that would 'do that to them.' When times get rough and it's hard to see God at work is the very time we need Him the most.

How long will we refuse to believe in Him?