People have not changed much over the centuries. They are rarely satisfied with their present situation and always long for something else. Even though God had saved them from slavery with mighty signs and wonders, the Israelites were complaining about the food. They wanted to go back into Egypt - they had forgotten the bitterness of slavery and now lived in an imaginary past. Even the manna is not enough - they want more. Poor Moses is frustrated and discouraged. Imagine how God feels when we continually complain! Even among us, there are some who prefer to live in the past or future, never the in the present - take me back to the way things were!

Peter allowed himself to be gripped by the same fear that nearly destroyed the Israelites in the desert. As long as he kept his gaze and attention focused on Jesus - in other words, walked in faith - he was able to do the impossible by walking on water. But as soon as he looked around and recoiled at the waves and the wind, the fear broke the connection with the Lord and he began to sink. So it is with us - we can do fantastic things when we walk in the power of the Lord. With God all things are possible, but with fear very little will be accomplished.