Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

them, they would have cheerfully accepted inconvenience, lack of
food, and even real suffering. But they forgot the goodness and
power of God in delivering them from slavery. They forgot how
their children had been spared when the destroying angel killed all
the firstborn of Egypt. They forgot the grand display of divine
power at the Red Sea. They forgot that their enemies, in trying to
follow them, had been overwhelmed by the waters of the sea.
Instead of saying, "God has done great things for us--we were
slaves, but He is making us into a great nation," they talked of how
hard the journey was and wondered when their weary journey would
end.
God wants His people in these days to review the trials through
which ancient Israel passed, in order to learn how to prepare for the
heavenly Canaan. Many look back to the Israelites and are amazed
at their unbelief. They feel that they themselves would not have
been so ungrateful. But when their faith is tested even by little trials,
they reveal no more faith or patience than ancient Israel did. They
complain about the way in which God has chosen to purify them.
Though their present needs are supplied, many constantly fear that
poverty will come on them, and their children will be left to suffer.
Obstacles, instead of leading them to seek help from God, separate
them from Him because they bring out unrest and discontent.
Why should we be ungrateful and distrusting? Jesus is our
friend. All heaven is interested in our welfare. Anxiety and fear
grieve the Holy Spirit of God--it is not God's will for His people to
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