Just a Thought: Losing our patience almost always leads to us losing other things too. There has been no greater leader in Israel’s past than Moses. He was not a king, but he was a prophet and leader. There has been no meeker leader than Moses. We hear people speak of the “the patience of Job.” But I would point out Moses was a man of tremendous patience as he dealt with and led a grumbling, complaining, rebellious, stiff necked group of people from slavery to freedom and finally to the edge of the Promised Land. But even a great meek leader like Moses can have a breaking point and he did! “So, Moses took the staff from the Lord’s presence, just as he commanded him. He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, “Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank.” (Num 20:9-11) Moses had, had his fill. He was tired of all the grumbling and complaining. This was the second time the Lord would use Moses to miraculously bring water from a rock in order to quench the thirst of the people. The first time the Lord told Mosses to strike the rock. But this time the Lord instructed Moses to “speak” to the rock so that the people would see and believe the Lord was providing for them. But Moses was done! He lost his patience with the people and struck the rock. The miracle still happened. Water (good water) did come from the rock. The people did drink and their thirst was quenched. But Moses paid a heavy price. He would lead the people to the Promised Land. He would himself see it, but he would not be allowed to enter into it. Losing our patience almost always leads to us losing other things too. It did for Moses and it almost always does for us too. Wasn’t Moses justified in losing his patience? No! Because the Lord had entrusted Moses with the leadership role. The Lord had given Moses the Job of keeping the people focused on the Lord. And Moses had great responsibility that came with this great privilege. We are never justified in stealing God’s glory or making others focus on us and taking their eyes off of the Lord. The Lord said Moses not only lost his temper, but he lost his trust in the Lord too. Having patience means keeping our focus on the Lord and trusting Him to be in control. Keep your patience by keeping your trust in the Lord. This will keep you from losing your patience and other things too.
