At the beginning of Numbers 21, the Israelites revealed they had the ability to trust in God’s faithfulness. But they also revealed they were quick to forget that same faithfulness. When the Canaanites fought against the Israelites and took some of their people captive, God gave His people victory. But then, when they bypassed Edom, the Israelites became impatient and quickly forgot what God had done for them. They began to complain about lacking food and water and detested what God had been providing. God responded to their sin by sending snakes into their camp to discipline them.

We are no different than the Israelites. We can think back over our lives and lose count of the victories God has given us. But we are so prone to forget all the good that God has done for us, often because of trivial needs or minor inconveniences in life. We, too, are quick to forget God’s faithfulness and we, too, need God’s gift of discipline at times to remind us that if God was willing to provide Jesus to die on the cross to address our greatest need, we can surely trust Him to provide for our daily needs as well (Luke 12:24).

What are some things that God has done for you in the past that you can remember today to help you remain faithful in the face of need or temptation?