Numbers 14:2

All night long the people cried out in distress. They complained against Moses and Aaron, and said, “It would have been better to die in Egypt or even here in the wilderness!

There are murmurers among Christians now, as there were in the camp of Israel of old. There are those who, when the rod of discipline falls, cry out against the punishment. They ask, "Why is this happening to me? What have I done to be deserve this?" Think about it complainer! Why should you murmur against what your heavenly Father sends your way? Can he treat you any more harshly than you deserve? Consider what a rebel you once were, but he has pardoned you! Surely, if in His wisdom, He sees fit to discipline you, you should not complain. After all, are you struck as severely as your sins deserve? Consider well the corruption which is in your heart, and then will you wonder that you need so much of the rod to beat it out? Weigh yourself, and discern how much impurity is mingled with your gold and do you think the fire too hot to purge away as much dross as you have? Doesn't your proud rebellious spirit prove that your heart is not thoroughly sanctified? Aren't your complaining words contrary to the holy, submissive nature of God's children? Is not the correction needed? But if you will murmur against the chastening, be warned, for it will go hard with complainers. God always chastises his children twice, if they do not bear the first stroke patiently. But you should know one thing--"He does not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men." All his corrections are sent in love, to purify you, and to draw you nearer to Himself. Surely it must help you to accept the chastening if you are able to recognize your Father's hand. For "he whom the Lord loves He chastens, and He spanks every son He receives. If you endure discipline, God is dealing with you as with sons." "Murmur not as some of them also murmured and were destroyed by the destroyer."