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The God Who Provides a Way

Friday, December 12

Numbers 21:7-9 (NKJV)

“Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD and against you; pray to the LORD that He take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. Then the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live.” So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.”

Devotion

We can find many things in life that will force us to complain. Have you ever tried keeping a gratitude journal? The point of writing down what we are grateful for is to stay focused on God’s blessings. It is meant to help elevate our mindset, keeping complaints out of our realm. During a personal storm, it may feel almost impossible to be grateful or optimistic.

Numbers 21:7–9 explains the making of the bronze serpent. The Israelites grew irritable going through the wilderness while being led by God and Moses, and they began to complain. God sent venomous serpents as punishment, which caused many deaths. When the Israelites realized their sin in speaking against God and Moses, they confessed and asked Moses to pray for them and for the serpents to be removed.

God provided. He told Moses to make a fiery serpent and put it on a flagpole. If bitten, they were to look at the bronze serpent to live. Their faith and compliance would then help heal them and counteract the serpent’s venom. God did not remove the serpents but found a way for the Israelites to survive through them. He showed His grace toward the Israelites, just as He still does today.

God found a way for the Israelites to survive through the venomous serpents, just as He found a way for us to be freed from sin through Jesus’ blood. Although the Israelites spoke against God and Moses and were punished, God still showed them mercy.

Our heavenly Father sees us as His precious children. If you are a loving parent, you know the lengths you would go to in order to protect your children. God is the same way—and much more. Consequences may be necessary for us to realize our sin, but God will still show up for us and lead us when we confess, ask for forgiveness, and seek Him out.

When tempted to complain, think about the Israelites. They went through chaotic moments, including death by serpents. Yet God showed them a way through it, just as He will do for us during tough times. He will always be there for us with open arms, waiting for us to seek Him.

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being the God who makes a way—even when the situation feels hopeless and even when we have fallen short. Forgive me for the times I complain or lose sight of Your goodness. Help me to turn my eyes toward You, just as the Israelites lifted their gaze to the bronze serpent. Teach me to trust Your provision, even when the answer doesn’t look the way I expected. Strengthen my faith, heal the places where life’s venom has tried to weaken me, and guide me back into alignment with Your will. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

When you feel the sting of frustration, discouragement, or complaining this week, pause and “look up.” Instead of focusing on what’s wrong, choose one thing God has done for you and write it down or speak it out loud. Let that intentional act of gratitude shift your perspective. As the Israelites looked at the bronze serpent and lived, choose today to fix your eyes on Jesus—the One who provides a way, heals, restores, and leads you through every wilderness.

Resources
  • If you need a gentle reminder of God’s goodness today, take a few minutes to listen to the song “Gratitude.” Let the lyrics quiet your heart and draw your attention back to the One who deserves all our praise.