I have food issues.  I'll admit it.  I've been known to whine about eating certain things,and I am a major hypocrite when it comes to making my children eat things I won't touch.  My eating habits are well, more like those of a twelve year old than a thirty-nine year old.

I’ve always been a picky eater. I can remember with clarity the way I hid my veggies inside of hallowed out rolls, napkins, and even my pocket once (note: peas will stain a white pair of shorts). I’m not the kind of person that can force myself to eat something in order not to hurt someone’s feelings. I mean, I’ll try. It’s just that you will see the disgust all over my face. I can’t hide it, I’m sorry.

One of my favorite books of the Bible is Exodus because of all the food issues. It speaks to me, and I have a feeling I would have been right in there with them.

In Exodus 15-17, right after God parted the Red Sea and saved the Israelites from their enemies, they went into the desert of Shur. Three days later, they finally came upon water at the oasis of Marah, but it was too bitter to drink. And, the whining began.

“What are we going to drink?” the people complained and turned against Moses. They were angry and upset about their needs not being met. So, Moses cried out to God, who provided what they needed. Never mind the fact that only 3 days before they had walked through walls of water as God orchestrated an escape from certain death. When their food issues arose, nothing else mattered.

Later, as they travelled further into the wilderness, they complained again.

“If only the Lord had killed us back in Egypt. There we sat around with pots filled with meat and ate all the bread we wanted. But now you have brought us into this wilderness to starve us all to death.” So, God provided again, sending down quail in the evening and manna each morning. Each day, enough was provided for each person in the camp, but only enough for that day. They had to trust that God would provide for them the next day, which He did.

The people ate manna for 40 years.

Then, the people moved to Rephidim, but there was no water to drink. The complaining came once more, and God told Moses to strike a rock at Mt. Sinai, and water gushed. Moses then named that place Massah (“test”) and Meribah (“argue”) because the people argued with Moses and tested the Lord by asking, “Is the Lord here with us or not?”

Are you getting the big picture here?  It didn’t matter what miracles God placed before their very eyes, when the smallest of their worries (food) surfaced, they threw all other evidence aside and wondered if God was even with them. Incredible considering he’d chased away their enemies, led them through the desert by a fire in the sky and a cloud, and provided food from heaven each and every day of their lives. How did they miss it?

Much the same way we do.

When life begins to rev up, or stress builds, or we begin walking in unfamiliar territory, it is often during these times that we are all too sensitive about the smaller things in life while neglecting to see all that God is doing for us. Losing a job can seem overwhelming until fifteen months later you realize that God has provided you with a healthy family, and food on your table, each and every day. An argument with a friend or your spouse can make you feel utterly alone and forgotten, until you see that there is One who was there with you all along. Stressing out over the crazy schedule you lead seems ridiculous, when you actually slow down long enough to listen to Gods plan for you instead.

It’s too easy to take the low road when life gets tough. To stand in the wilderness and cry “Is the Lord here with us or not?”  He is. Look beyond the minor details and catch Him at what He does best: the big picture. Rest assured, He is behind the scenes in your life. Guaranteed.