Harry Martinez, a resident of Albany, is a retired minister who served a nondenominational congregation in Florida. His weekly column appears in several South Georgia newspapers.

These are turbulent times in these United States as violence, murderous acts, and rampant drug addiction are sapping the vitality and strength of its people. The distress is not limited to the victims only, for no one lives isolated from others. The increase in suicide rate among young people is alarming. Few families have escaped the sadness incurred by the break-up of homes, the unexpected loss of loved ones, and the destruction of property through lawless acts.

History notes many similar conditions affecting nations and peoples. During the time of Moses, Scripture records the difficulties of the Hebrews living in the land of Egypt. It was God’s plan for them to become a great nation, but in the meantime, they would experience the evils of slavery. There were spiritual lessons to learn if they were to become the people through whom Messiah would come into the world. The day came when God delivered them and Pharaoh let the Jewish people go.

However, their freedom was soon threatened as Pharaoh reversed his decision and pursued Moses and the people. Hemmed in by the Philistines, the Red Sea and the pursuing Egyptians, the people railed against Moses … “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians’? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert” (Ex 14:11-12 NIV).

How quickly they had forgotten God’s goodness and grace. That generation would be marked by ingratitude for God’s provision, His divine protection, and continued unbelief in God’s promises. With their mouths they swore obedience, but in their actions, they rebelled against the LORD and Moses. God, in grace had Moses remind them … “Then Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain and said, ‘This is what you are to say to the house of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: “You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites’” (Ex 19:3-6 NIV).

The faithfulness of God to provide for His people, in spite of their disobedience and failure to trust Him, was evidence of His love and grace. Discipline, though required at times, was always administered in grace. In the final days of his life, Moses would tell a second generation … “For the LORD’s portion is his people, Jacob his allotted inheritance. In a desert land he found him, in a barren and howling waste. He shielded him and cared for him; he guarded him as the apple of his eye, like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them on its pinions” (Deut 32:9-11 NIV). All the attempts of wicked nations to wipe out the Jewish people have failed and will continue to fail … “For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure” (Ps 135:4 NIV).

The Apostle Paul reminds Christians that though they are not immune from the adversities of life, they can trust God’s faithfulness for the “now” and the wonderful future that looms closer and closer … “wait for the blessed hope — the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:15a NIV). But until that day comes, be assured that … “those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint” (Isa 40:31 NIV).