Text: Exodus 15:22—17:7

Topic: How to deal with discontent

Introduction:

• Illustration: A parable is told of a little girl whose Beanie Baby provides her with contentment, even through a life of misery.
• The children of Israel were never content, even though God met all their needs.
• Illustration: Robert Hughes, in The Culture of Complaint, writes that Americans feel it is our birthright to have all our wants and desires filled.
• The lessons of contentment that God gave Israel can be applied to our lives.

We need to realize God's loving purpose for us.

• Exodus 15:25—26
• Illustration: Wenig tells of a time when God used difficulty to refine and mature him.

We need to remember God's loving provision for us.

• Illustration: Just as Forrest Gump learned all the ways to serve shrimp, so the Israelites did with manna.
• Exodus 16:3236
• Illustration: Matt is an 11 who knows how to express his gratitude.

We need to recognize God's loving presence.

• Exodus 11:7

Conclusion:

• To escape disappointment, we need to run to the loving arms of Jesus.