In the day of provocation, Moses exploded in anger. His anger triggered an OVERIDE of God’s instruction! Moses sinned on two counts, disobedience against God and speaking unadvisedly against God’s people. Frightening isn’t it. God expected better of the man that had seen God and knew God’s way. Should God treat us differently? We now understand the need for decoupling our anger from the sin that lurks closely behind anger! Paul wrote to the Ephesians—But don’t let the passion of your emotions lead you to sin! Don’t let anger control you or be fuel for revenge, not for even a day. Don’t give the slanderous accuser, the Devil, an opportunity to manipulate you! (Ephesians 4:26-27 ITPT)

Frightening isn’t it! John Manson wrote “One way to be free of unwanted baggage is to take your mind off the things that seem to be against you [that provoke you—emphasis mine]. Thinking about negative factors builds them into a power (stronghold) they do not possess. Talking about these grievances merely adds to them; rather attach yourself to God’s forgiveness, God’s word and God’s plan”. How we need such godly counsel at this time when believers have jumped on the bandwagon of critics and complainers of a failed government and its institutions. We can use our hearts and minds for positive influence by prayers than giving Satan the opportunity to manipulate us. If we do this, we will see ourselves loosed from these situations that provoke wrong responses. Selah
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Pastor Afolabi Oladele