A Thankful or a Grumbling Heart?

The Scripture talks about us grumbling against our neighbour, but what about when we are always grumbling against God? When my husband Paul and I were waiting to sell the centre in Western Australia,, we had put it on the market, believing that this was God’s will, and yet it took three long years to sell.

During the first year there were a few offers for the property, but they all fell through, and we started to grumble and complain. All our staff had left and we were trying to run the ministry ourselves, plus the 85-acre property. We had some volunteers to help, but most of it was on our shoulders, and we were getting impatient and grumbly.

We went along to a conference where someone spoke about Elijah waiting at Cherith Brook, and how he had to wait until God told him to move. We realised that we were trying to tell God what He should do, and when. So we repented of our wrong actions and grumbling. I was also reading Psalm 78, which talked about the Israelites complaining to God, and this really convicted me.

I repented of my wrong attitude of heart and asked God to forgive me and to change my heart. Who are we, mere creatures, to complain against an Almighty God? My husband Paul was also convicted about his grumbling, and repented.

As we started to be more thankful and praise God, even in the midst of uncertainty, things started to change, in our hearts at least. And then, about a year from when this happened, someone came along who wanted to purchase the property. It was someone representing another Christian organisation. At the same time, we were invited to come to lead the work in the UK at Pierrepont. We have now been here since December of last year, and we know this is exactly what God had prepared us for.

So, if we have a tendency to grumble against God, let’s turn from it, and instead, have an attitude of thankfulness and gratitude in all circumstances. God has things in hand, and has the very best for us. So let’s put our trust in Him, who knows all things. May we make a difference in this world for the Kingdom of God with thankful hearts. If Christ’s bride (us) is always grumbling and complaining, how will others be attracted to her?

Prayer: Father God, forgive us for the times when we’ve grumbled against our neighbour and against You. We’re sorry that we’ve not trusted You, and we’ve wanted things to go our way. Forgive us for our pride. Thank You, Father, for forgiving us and cleansing us, and give us a thankful and pure heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.