Below are the descriptions of two contrasting Bible personalities. One, Jonah, was a world-class complainer. The second, Joseph, lived a difficult but optimistic life without complaint. Please read them & think about which man you most resemble. Then think about which man God wants you to emulate and what you can do to make that happen. Person #1 – World-Class Complainer Jonah Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 3:2 You remember Jonah of “I spent three days in the belly of a great fish” fame, don’t you? Jonah was a world-class complainer. * Jonah complained about how terrible the people of Nineveh were. * Jonah complained when God wanted to use him to convince the people of Nineveh to change their ways. * Jonah complained when the people of Nineveh did change their ways and turn to God. * Jonah complained when the people of Nineveh weren’t punished. * Jonah complained when the vine God had given him for shade died overnight. No matter what God did, he couldn’t satisfy Jonah. Jonah was ungrateful. Jonah’s ungratefulness and complaints made him so unhappy that he wanted to die. You just can’t please some people. Are you like Jonah?
“People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, . . .” 2 Timothy 3:2
Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive me for being a complainer like Jonah. Help me to faithfully serve You in gratitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Person #2 – Without Complaint Joseph Bible Reading: Genesis 45:7 Joseph didn’t plan to become a slave and then ruler of Egypt, but he trusted God and let go of his plans. He didn’t whine or complain that he was? * Kidnapped, * Sold into slavery, * Lied about, * Wrongly imprisoned. Instead, Joseph waited on God to reveal his purpose for all that had happened to Joseph. Even while he was enduring these personal indecencies, Joseph stated his innocence. He let people know that what had happened and what was happening to him wasn’t a punishment for anything he had done wrong. He wanted people to recognize that God was controlling and directing Joseph’s life. Joseph wasn’t happy about some of the circumstances that he ended up in, but he knew that he was where God wanted him to be and that he was living through events of God’s choosing for reasons known only to God. The next time you are tempted to complain about the circumstances surrounding you, stop. Remind yourself that, like Joseph, God has a plan for putting you in those circumstances. “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6 Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know you have a reason for putting me where I am. Help me to stand firm through this unpleasant time in my life. In Jesus’ name.