The Burden Is too Heavy For Me

The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, "If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost -- also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!" . . . Moses heard the people of every family wailing at the entrance to their tents. The LORD became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled. He asked the LORD, "Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me? Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? . . .  
Where can I get meat for all these people? They keep wailing to me, 'Give us meat to eat!' 
I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. If this is how you are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me -- if I have found favor in your eyes -- and do not let me face my own ruin."  Numbers 11:4-15.


There were 600,000 men on the journey with Moses through the desert as they traveled to the Promised Land. If we include the women and children, we could probably estimate the traveling population to be about a million and a half people. God had already worked many miracles for them. He had defeated Pharaoh and redeemed them from Egypt with a mighty hand. He had parted the Red Sea for them. He had provided them with food from heaven -- manna! Food from heaven must be cherished, no matter how it tastes, because it was prepared by the best chef from the best kitchen -- heaven!

But the people were dissatisfied and a few instigators (the rabble among them) began to create trouble. They incited the Israelites to grumble, complain, and crave for other food besides the "boring" manna! They wanted meat to eat! The people rebelled and stood in front of their tents and began to wail in protest. This was a breaking point for Moses.

God was angry with the people and Moses was frustrated with God. Imagine the scene as Moses cried out under duress, "I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me . . . go ahead and kill me . . . do not let me face my own ruin."

Question: Is your assignment and portion in life too heavy for you? Are you wondering why God has "burdened" you with the load you are carrying?

What is your burden? A broken home filled with pain, arguments, and suffering? A single mom with no support? A sick or disabled child to care for? A financial burden with mounting bills and harassing creditors? Is it pressure on the job? Is it the fear and burden of your children's future? Is it the responsibilities of your call and ministry? Is it your health?
God has not given you more than you can bear. He helped Moses --  He will help you!

Prayer: Father, the burden is heavy, but I know your grace is sufficient for me. Amen!