In Numbers 11:23, God said, “Thou shalt see now whether My word shall come to pass unto thee or not.” God had made a promise to Moses that for one month’s time He would feed the Israelites in the wilderness with flesh. Moses, overtaken by unbelief, looked to the outward means, and did not understand how the promise could be fulfilled — the task was staggering (Numbers 11:13-15). He looked to the creature instead of the Creator. Moses had, for a time, an “evil heart of unbelief” (Hebrews 3:12). The response of God is, “Is the Lord’s hand shortened?”

God, who made the promise, fulfilled His promise by His omnipotence (Numbers 11:31-32). God’s promises do not depend upon the cooperation of the frail strength of man for their fulfillment. We can see the mistake which Moses made, and yet we do the same! God has promised to supply our needs (Matthew 6:25-34), and we look to the creature to do what God has promised to do; and then, because we think the creature to be weak and feeble, we wallow in unbelief, blaming God!

If, after clearly seeing that the burden lies with the Lord and not with man, we dare to indulge in mistrust, the question of God burns within us: “Has the Lord’s hand waxed short?” God provided the opportunity but it was up to the Israelites to get the meat for themselves. Likewise, God will provide what you need, but you have to go out and take advantage of His blessings. Be strong in faith and seek to do God’s will (1 Corinthians 16:13), and He will bless you spiritually and help you through the “rough patches” physically.

Kyle Campbell