But they soon forgot what he had done
    and did not wait for his plan to unfold. v. 13

That’s sobering.  Their problem is that they didn’t wait for His plan to unfold.  Another version said “they would not wait for His counsel” (v. 13).

They were scared because they were without food or water.  Few of us truly know the depth of that fear.  Instead of seeking the Lord and waiting for His counsel, they complained.  They complained and complained.  To God and to Moses.  They accused Moses and turned against Him.

If only they had waited.

But they had not learned to endure suffering with trust.