The past is what I know. It impacted me, helped shape me into who I am. I can look back and see what happened; remember; and see how things turned out, good and bad. There is no going back to the past to change things.
The future is unknown. I do not know what is to come and how it will impact me. I can plan all I want for the days to come, but there is no certainty each day will go as planned. Yet I can press into the future knowing God’s promises are true.
In Numbers 11 the Israelites find it difficult to believe in God’s promise to take them to a new land “to a good and spacious land, to a land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:8).” God heard their prayers, their cries, and sought to take them to a better place, but the journey was difficult. They could only see the past and the good things they left behind and complained about the difficulty of their present journey.
“Now the people became like those who complain of adversity in the hearing of the LORD (Numbers 11:1).” They looked toward the unknown future and only saw the current difficulties. “The rabble who were among them had greedy desires; and also the sons of Israel wept again and said, ‘Who will give us meat to eat? We remember the fish which we used to eat free in Egypt, the cucumbers and the melons and the leeks and the onions and the garlic, but now our appetite is gone. There is nothing at all to look at except this manna (Numbers 11:4-6).’”
The constant grumbling—the disbelief that God was leading the Israelites to something better; not being able to see beyond their current struggles; only seeing what they had in the past. It all led to the Israelites missing out on the new land God promised them.
God’s promises are true. He is leading you to something better. The current journey may be difficult, even unbearable, but God is faithful. He is building you up, shaping you, deepening your faith for a brighter future.
“Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert (Isaiah 43:19).”
When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me? – Psalm 56:3-4 (NASB)
140 Character Christian 
Blessings Chris! Indeed, mankind can be such extraordinary whiners. God turns our focus on what lies ahead. May we always trust Him.
Thanks for the comment. Yes, may we trust God and His plans. Blessings.
We can be real grumblers, just as then! Thank you, God, for moving me forward through my trust and faith in you! Thank you for your love and grace! Great words of wisdom, Chris!
Thank you for sharing that reminder to have faith and trust in God. Praise God for His love and grace! Blessings.
It’s my blessing! And thank you, too Chris! Praise God! Many blessings!!