I read in Exodus 17- …because of the contention of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”. You had brought impossible deliverance in mind blowing ways to them over and over, yet with every new obstacle, they cried out against You. They bitterly complained against the hardships on the path to freedom and abundance, quickly forgetting Your miracles and provisions in the wilderness. Reading the story, I question why they did this and as quickly, I remember my panic and frustration just last night as I had to deal again with extremely draining circumstances. Too often, my attitude reveals contention. Too often, I complain bitterly in my spirit, instead of seeking and expecting Your miracles and deliverance in the wilderness. Sadly, I see that me and the Israelites have way too much in common. I need Your transforming power, Lord, to enable me to rest, delight and depend on You no matter the attacks. I need to trust Your manna for the day; sustenance in the trials; guidance in the desert. Please empower me to be different from my friends, the Israelites. Jesus.