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Verse:“Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!” —Luke 12:24, ESV
There I went, complaining again.
I know that God never becomes impatient with us, but as the complaint escaped my lips, I suddenly felt conscious of the fact that as I vented about the things that had gone awry, I had neglected to remember the many times that God had provided for me just when I needed it. One such incident happened a few months earlier while battling a financial issue at my school. To compound the issue, I added to my list of gripes the need for money to get through the coming week.
I prayed —rather, I complained and argued with God for the entire week, even becoming upset about the cashless predicament that has become quite characteristic of my academic life. In almost comedic timing, I then received a call from a family member of a fellow national at my school who needed me to do a favor for them.
“Sure, no problem,” I said. “That’s what compatriots are for!” The person replied, “A part of the money is yours —sorry it wasn’t more.” Sorry it wasn’t more? It was more than enough for my personal needs! At that moment, I thanked God with enthusiasm that was nonexistent just two seconds before.
I think I got the divine eyeroll just then.
And if I did, I deserved it. How easily we forget the many times that God has provided for us, rescued us from impossible situations, and showed up for us when it seemed that there was no way out! We praise Him for the victory won —whether small or great, and then just a few minutes go by before we forget the miracles He wrought, and we begin to mount our list of complaints again. Life is riddled with its challenges, and we will never live a life of complete ease until Jesus comes again to take us home.
But we can be assured that the God who feeds the birds, sends rain for the plants, and continues to give us new opportunities with each new dawn will continue to provide for us when we most need it. The next time we think about complaining, let us thank God for what He did for us in the past and pray in faith, knowing that He will provide for us, His children, once more.
Olivia D. Valentine