When I first moved to Georgia a few years back, I worked for this guy who cut down trees. Seriously, it was probably the hardest job I have ever done. Jim (the guy who owned the company), would take me for breakfast on our way to a job. The restaurant was called "Our Place". It was a whole in the wall, it had 4 tables and 8 bar stools at the counter. The same guy had been cooking there for years and the food rocked. Anyway, there was a sign hanging above the back corner bathroom and it read, "NO WHINING!". I was reading in Numbers today and I was reminded of that old sign. Here's why, in chapter 14 the children of Israel should've been celebrating the potential move into their new homeland. Finally, a land they could call "home", just like God had promised. It was just over the hill and through the woods. Instead they were complaining and weeping. I mean, I understand having a little doubt or a touch of uncertainty, but crying like a little baby? I think their uncertainty branched from something deeper... they were afraid of the dark. They did not know what their future held and they could not see what was coming. So instead of being excited about it and putting the outcome into God's hands, they would rather stay where they were in life and cry about it. So I sat at my desk laughing at the children of Israel, then in mid-laugh I stopped, I realized that their story has actually been my story. I am ashamed to admit it, but I have cried like a little "whiner" myself a time or two. I grew up believing that doubt is bad. That second guessing your faith and/or path showed weakness and somehow would cause a downward spiral towards the total breakdown in my belief system, and would ultimately shatter the strong points of my Christian faith. How I picked this up along the way, I don't know, but I lived in it for a long time. Now I find myself doubting more things, yet my faith in my Savior is stronger. That seems weird I know, but it's true. I think it is okay to doubt, sometimes. When the doubt falls on me, my abilities, my strength, and so on, it is okay to doubt. Because I know I have failed in all those areas, and when failure is the track record it is only natural to, at times have doubts about these very same abilities that have failed me in the past. However, when I begin to doubt the truth that God has revealed to me through His word, or when I start to doubt His ability, it is not okay to doubt. He has proven Himself every time. That is a big statement I know, but history (and personal testimony) reveals it to be fact - God never fails. So why did the Children of Israel doubt? I have asked that question many times. I mean people, God gave them manna from the sky, water from a rock, and quail for a million plus people from God knows where, literally! How can they still have disbelief? Because they were just like I am, afraid of the dark. I am so ready to size God up, side by side to my biggest problem. So, no longer will I insult God by comparing Him to ____________ (fill in your problem here). He stands alone. I will try and view Him in all of His splendor and glory. I will try and remember that the very same friend I call Savior is also the Holy One who can handle any and every problem and concern - not just for me, but from everyone in the world as well. So when I have to venture out into the dark I will grab onto His shirt tale and let Him lead. This is how I will deal with my doubt. "NO WHINING!"