“All the children of Israel complained” (Numbers 14:2)  

There are many saints who complain when they should “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus” for them (1 Thessalonians 5:18). When a trial seems unfair, remember, “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). His purpose, plus the faith that God is good, should put an end to complaining. 

 You may ask, "Why am I afflicted? What have I done that warranted this chastening?" Let me reason with you. If He wanted to, He could squash you like a bug. Consider what a rebel you were, but He pardoned you! Surely, if the One who saved you sees fit to chasten you, you must know, by faith, it’s for your good. He’s answering your prayer: “Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). 

 Consider the corruption which remains within you. Examine yourself, and admit you have impurities mingled with your gold; and fire purges those impurities. Isn’t your attitude toward the purging evidence you have a proud, rebellious spirit, proving its necessity? Your murmuring words are contrary to the holy, submissive nature of God's children. But if you continue to murmur, take heed, for it will get worse for you. God always chastises His children twice, if they don’t bear the first stroke patiently. 

 But know one thing, no matter how much you suffer, “He does not afflict willingly, Nor grieve the children of men” (Lamentations 3:33). All His corrections are sent in love, to purify you, and to draw you closer to Himself. For, “whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives” (Hebrews 12:6). 

 So, let’s not “tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come” (1 Corinthians 10:9-11).