Wrestling with God vs complaining

[jacko]

God allows us to wrestle with him, and even Jacob demanded God to bless him during his wresting encounter the Bible says.

However, he Israelites were left wandering in the dessert for 40 years and all died there except a select few and God was not pleased with the complainng even after delivering them slavery. I wa to make sure I understand this as this is kind is thin line no?

For example, say your going through a trial, you cry and reach out to God earnestly in prayer and supplication but it can almost be complaining because you haven’t been delivered? I want to make sure I don’t cross the line.
I received a blessing which relived some financial pressure, but not the breakthrough blessing of a job. I know the Lord is working his perfect timing but I keep praying and sometimes complaining too to keep it real.
How doe a child not complain to his father he’s troubled?

 

[jacko]

Here are some Bible verses that address the topic of complaining per Chat GPT


1. Philippians 2:14-15:

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”

This verse encourages believers to avoid complaining or arguing, as it helps them reflect God’s light in a fallen world.

2. Numbers 14:27:

“How long will this wicked community grumble against me? I have heard the complaints of these grumbling Israelites.”

God expresses frustration with the Israelites for constantly complaining during their time in the wilderness, despite His provision and guidance.

3. 1 Corinthians 10:10:

“And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.”

This verse refers back to the Israelites in the wilderness and serves as a warning to Christians not to follow their example of complaining against God.

4. Exodus 16:8:

“You are not grumbling against us, but against the Lord.”

When the Israelites complained about their circumstances to Moses, he reminded them that their complaints were ultimately against God, who was leading them.

5. James 5:9:

“Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!”

This verse warns against complaining about others, emphasizing accountability and the importance of patience.



These passages collectively highlight how complaining, especially when it reflects a lack of trust in God’s plan or provision, can displease God and hinder spiritual growth.

 

[homwardbound]

God allows us to wrestle with him, and even Jacob demanded God to bless him during his wresting encounter the Bible says.

However, he Israelites were left wandering in the dessert for 40 years and all died there except a select few and God was not pleased with the complainng even after delivering them slavery. I wa to make sure I understand this as this is kind is thin line no?

For example, say your going through a trial, you cry and reach out to God earnestly in prayer and supplication but it can almost be complaining because you haven’t been delivered? I want to make sure I don’t cross the line.
I received a blessing which relived some financial pressure, but not the breakthrough blessing of a job. I know the Lord is working his perfect timing but I keep praying and sometimes complaining too to keep it real.
How doe a child not complain to his father he’s troubled?

Viewing God as a commander, you better or else attitude got me lost in the mess of all the misinterpretations here in this world. Going over there, over here, then to a new place to search this all out. Trying to find the best most beautifulest place ever, and finally be at peace, in spite of all else. God simply loves us all y'all
I searched the world over and over and over wanting peace and to not complain, accept my status where I am at in life presently.
I was searching to be content and found it, then did not and viewed me as complaining to God selfishly. Doubt kept getting me myself kicking me out over and over, again and again even a modicum of any doubt I found caused me more troubles.

I was not, mattered not whether another person, even me, thinking in thought I was being a complainer selfishly. To complain is a form of doubt (Isaiah 7:9) Turn to God in Confidence, God just loves you too

Is that what you are worried over, whether or not you're, will be good enough? You are not alone, many before you too.
You, I or anyone else will never ever ever be good enough, only to beleive he is risen for you too does it instantly from God Father's view, gives you new life in his risen Son to you to do new in love and mercy too, None, no not one. Oh wait a second, there is One who Won for us on that cross to us all in reconciliation to us all, we are forgiven in Son by God Father for us all. What? 2Cor 5:17-20
We are reconciled on that cross, (Forgiven) by God over 2, 000 years ago now, there will or is no more shedding of anyone's blood to be done, it is done (John 19:30) You are now accepted in the beloved, Forgiven and sealed to see it from God through Son (Ephesians 1:6, 7, 13
You done by Son for you can now enter God Father's throne of grace in confidence, and complain, go ahead



this is what God now does

Listens, let's you get it out, let's you get exhausted, let's you finish, with no interrupting you, over how you come across
That be what Jacob did, wrestled with God, stood up, not as if better or as if can't face God. Faced God, let it all out, wrestled all night, his hip put out of place and God blessed Jacob for not having any fear, or for being arrogant, for Jacob was not.
So therefore enter his courts with thanksgiving and praise, all sin taken out of the way for you, done by son for you and all others too, Enter (Psalm 100:4)
Oh, as you go onboard your way entering, yes their are evil Spirits, trying to stop you from entering over thought(s) entering your mindset of I am no good, not good enough, =can't be God is perfect, I am not, you just had lust again, thank god you need God
Now say thank you Father for Son Jesus, the way, the truth and new life offered, given to all those that ask sincerely get this given them and see it humbly thankfully, that be you that I see, do enter and see all sin by Son now taken out of the way as far as the east is from the west! Psalm 103:12 John 1:29. John 19:30, Hebrews 9:14-17
Not like that Pharisee in Luke 18:9-14 the Pharisee a "Betty better than others" The sinner desiring forgiveness, reconciliation The sinner is justified not the "Betty better than you"
See this humbly please, I, you and no one else has any righteousness None!
Oh wait a sec, oh yes we do have righteousness, it is not ours, it is God Father's in risen Son for us, that is our righteousness a gift to appreciate and handle humbly, thank you friend, in the risen Son unto Father for us all to say as said to Mary in the risen Savior, in John 20, now your Father, Jesus said that to Mary. Now our Father, thank you Father I now see the two as Won (one) for us, it iOS done wow, woe is me as in Isaiah 6:1-7

 

[ResidentAlien]

God allows us to wrestle with him, and even Jacob demanded God to bless him during his wresting encounter the Bible says.

However, he Israelites were left wandering in the dessert for 40 years and all died there except a select few and God was not pleased with the complainng even after delivering them slavery. I wa to make sure I understand this as this is kind is thin line no?

For example, say your going through a trial, you cry and reach out to God earnestly in prayer and supplication but it can almost be complaining because you haven’t been delivered? I want to make sure I don’t cross the line.
I received a blessing which relived some financial pressure, but not the breakthrough blessing of a job. I know the Lord is working his perfect timing but I keep praying and sometimes complaining too to keep it real.
How doe a child not complain to his father he’s troubled?

God knows your heart; He knows if you're complaining or simply burdened. If you don't know if you're complaining, ask the Lord to help you see and understand. In my experience, you don't have to wail and cry out to get God to hear you. Just develop a personal relationship with Him and trust Him. He knows what we need before we even ask.

 

[ResidentAlien]

Here's what not to do.

 

[jacko]

Here's what not to do.

I’ve been there a few times… not all the time. Good acting!

 

[ResidentAlien]

Yes, Duvall is a great actor. But what he's depicting in this scene is a man operating purely from the flesh.

 

[seoulsearch]

God allows us to wrestle with him, and even Jacob demanded God to bless him during his wresting encounter the Bible says.

However, he Israelites were left wandering in the dessert for 40 years and all died there except a select few and God was not pleased with the complainng even after delivering them slavery. I wa to make sure I understand this as this is kind is thin line no?

For example, say your going through a trial, you cry and reach out to God earnestly in prayer and supplication but it can almost be complaining because you haven’t been delivered? I want to make sure I don’t cross the line.
I received a blessing which relived some financial pressure, but not the breakthrough blessing of a job. I know the Lord is working his perfect timing but I keep praying and sometimes complaining too to keep it real.
How doe a child not complain to his father he’s troubled?

Hi @jacko,

Thanks for posting all these thought-provoking threads and questions.

This topic has come up a few times in a small group I'm part of, and a great example of discerning between complaining vs. going to God in faith would be the the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land. If you've never read this story, you might want to start with the story of the 10 Plagues God performed in order to get Pharaoh to finally let His people go (starting in Exodus 7.)

It took the people over 40 years to get there, but I've read that geographically, it takes less than 2 weeks -- but the people constantly complained to God about anything and everything, and so He let them wander around that long until a new generation rose up that would start to put their faith in Him.

I've learned (and recognized) a lot about what complaining looks like (and how much I'm guilty of it) by reading this story.

The Israelites didn't thank God for His provisions or deliverance from Egypt -- rather, they continually complained about what they didn't have and kept telling God they wanted to go back! They didn't thank Him for what He'd done or His provisions along the way, but only talked about what they used to have in Egypt and how much better those things were.

It's a lot like when kids are never grateful to their parents for all they provide -- instead, they're angry because they didn't get the latest iPhone for their birthday -- or the people who are constantly wanting bigger, newer, and more expensive things to suit their own egos and act as if that somehow makes them better than others.

In contrast, Joshua and Caleb -- the only two over the age of 20 from that original generation that left Egypt -- were always thankful to God and willing to face any challenge He set in front of them, even when everyone else was sure it would mean imminent death.

I certainly can't say that I leap at the chance to run head first into the trials set before me, but it sure does give a powerful example of what kind of heart to have.

You might also want to read the story of Hannah, the mother of Samuel (1 Samuel 1:11.) Hannah was broken-hearted over not having a child, and her husband's other wife, who did have children, harassed her mercilessly for what was seen a woman's ultimate failure.

Hannah did not thank God for her barrenness. But she did plead with God so passionately that the temple priest rebuked her because he thought she was drunk. But God knew she had a sincere heart (she promised her firstborn would be dedicated to service at the temple.)

And the answer came in the form of a son who was one of the most prolific prophets in Israel's history (along with additional children as well.)

While we all know God may not answer our prayers the exact way we are hoping, the Bible is filled with great stories of people who brought their struggles to God in ways He found honoring.

I hope you will experience the freedom to come to God regarding everything that's on your heart as well. 🙏

 

[jacko]

Hi @jacko,

Thanks for posting all these thought-provoking threads and questions.

This topic has come up a few times in a small group I'm part of, and a great example of discerning between complaining vs. going to God in faith would be the the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land. If you've never read this story, you might want to start with the story of the 10 Plagues God performed in order to get Pharaoh to finally let His people go (starting in Exodus 7.)

It took the people over 40 years to get there, but I've read that geographically, it takes less than 2 weeks -- but the people constantly complained to God about anything and everything, and so He let them wander around that long until a new generation rose up that would start to put their faith in Him.

I've learned (and recognized) a lot about what complaining looks like (and how much I'm guilty of it) by reading this story.

The Israelites didn't thank God for His provisions or deliverance from Egypt -- rather, they continually complained about what they didn't have and kept telling God they wanted to go back! They didn't thank Him for what He'd done or His provisions along the way, but only talked about what they used to have in Egypt and how much better those things were.

It's a lot like when kids are never grateful to their parents for all they provide -- instead, they're angry because they didn't get the latest iPhone for their birthday -- or the people who are constantly wanting bigger, newer, and more expensive things to suit their own egos and act as if that somehow makes them better than others.

In contrast, Joshua and Caleb -- the only two over the age of 20 from that original generation that left Egypt -- were always thankful to God and willing to face any challenge He set in front of them, even when everyone else was sure it would mean imminent death.

I certainly can't say that I leap at the chance to run head first into the trials set before me, but it sure does give a powerful example of what kind of heart to have.

You might also want to read the story of Hannah, the mother of Samuel (1 Samuel 1:11.) Hannah was broken-hearted over not having a child, and her husband's other wife, who did have children, harassed her mercilessly for what was seen a woman's ultimate failure.

Hannah did not thank God for her barrenness. But she did plead with God so passionately that the temple priest rebuked her because he thought she was drunk. But God knew she had a sincere heart (she promised her firstborn would be dedicated to service at the temple.)

And the answer came in the form of a son who was one of the most prolific prophets in Israel's history (along with additional children as well.)

While we all know God may not answer our prayers the exact way we are hoping, the Bible is filled with great stories of people who brought their struggles to God in ways He found honoring.

I hope you will experience the freedom to come to God regarding everything that's on your heart as well. 🙏

Thank you brother, I recently discovered the power of fasting. After my first fast (for the Lord), I gained a higher level of calmness in my heart than before so I know he is hearing my prayers. I have a new favorite name for the Lord when I cry out to him for my finances, and when I pray to almighty "Jehovah Jireh", I feel the power in invoking this name and my spirit shakes.

The more I learn, the more I learn that I don't know. So Yes, I'm working my way through his word in the Bible. Stay blessed.

 

[Ballaurena]

God allows us to wrestle with him, and even Jacob demanded God to bless him during his wresting encounter the Bible says.

However, he Israelites were left wandering in the dessert for 40 years and all died there except a select few and God was not pleased with the complainng even after delivering them slavery. I wa to make sure I understand this as this is kind is thin line no?

For example, say your going through a trial, you cry and reach out to God earnestly in prayer and supplication but it can almost be complaining because you haven’t been delivered? I want to make sure I don’t cross the line.
I received a blessing which relived some financial pressure, but not the breakthrough blessing of a job. I know the Lord is working his perfect timing but I keep praying and sometimes complaining too to keep it real.
How doe a child not complain to his father he’s troubled?

Good question. As with many questions of biblical things, it comes down to the spirit - in this case the spirit of the wrestler/complainer.

If the person is standing on faith in God and His goodness, this is wrestling and healthy. Jacob demanded God bless him because he knew God was good and his provider. On the other hand, if the person is questioning or even denying God's faithfulness in their heart, this is complaining. Israel in the wilderness were judging God's provision as lacking or being somehow less than it should be, therefore they were complaining. Notice how God did answer the part of the complaint where they were asking for meat, He just didn't give it to them in desirable terms because of their bad attitude. God wants us to make our needs and desires known so He can give us what is good with us knowing its source, but we owe it to Him to trust His goodwill for us when we do ask.

For comparison, imagine you are a young adult with a roommate with a difficult job who comes home while you have been eating dinner on the couch, watching your favorite show, and you haven't yet cleaned up your dishes. Upon entering, your roommate whines "You're so messy and inconsiderate! Don't you know how stressed I am at the end of the day and how entering to dirty dishes makes it worse?!?!""

Now consider the same scenario but your roommate instead enters and says, "You know, I am really stressed at the end of the day. If you could have your dirty dishes picked up by the time I get home, I would really appreciate it."

Clearly one of these is complaining and the other isn't. Now if you want to make it more like Jacob wrestling with God, instead of calmly replying 'Yeah, sure," imagine that you, knowing your roommate needs to work off some nervous energy, teasingly say "Make me" and your roommate jumps on you for one of your usual tickle fights, knowing full well that you have heard the request and will ultimately respond with loving consideration. Maybe not exactly the same dynamics as Jacob wrestling with God because God is superior to Jacob and thus had place to test and train him in a way that you don't have with your roommate, but the fact that it is relationship building, about your roommate's other needs, and that the goodness of the outcome is known and trusted should hopefully help illustrate the difference. And yeah, this may not be your style, or even mine, but hopefully it makes the point.