I love the people’s initial response to the Lord’s provision of manna, “What is it?” Have you ever received provision from the Lord and not recognized it at first because it wasn’t something familiar? Or maybe it wasn’t what you were expecting, or what you thought God's response should have been? Or perhaps the overwhelming voices of fear and doubt around you hindered your own sight. I wonder how often we continue grumbling or feeling anxious, even in the midst of God’s grace and provision toward us, because we’re unable to recognize it, even when it’s right in front of us.
As I considered the Israelites’ predicament, this thought struck me; the people could have spent the night in their tents full of anxious thoughts about tomorrow even though God had provided for them just that day. It would have been easy to stay up all night fretting over the next meal, worried that there wouldn’t be food. Maybe their conversations repeatedly circled back to overwhelming questions. Will we have food tomorrow? What will tomorrow have in store for us? They likely felt uncertain at times. I would suggest that God knew exactly what He was doing by having the people take just enough manna for the day. He knew if the people were to daily trust Him, this test of faith would reveal the condition of their hearts. They could choose anxiety or trust, fear or faith.
Just like God provided for His people in the desert, He will provide for you now, sister. My ongoing prayer for you is that you will have eyes to see the daily manna the Lord is pouring out. May you daily trust and obey Jehovah Jireh.
Today’s Bible Reading: Exodus 16; John 6:30-35; Matthew 6:25-34
A Moment to reflect:
1. Have you ever received provision from the Lord and not recognized it at first because it wasn't what you were expecting?
I'd encourage you, before you respond, to invite the Holy Spirit to show you what He wants you to see as you consider this question. 2. As you consider question 1, what was your attitude like while waiting for the Lord's provision? Or as you received His provision?
Would you say you were like one of the Israelites who anxiously gathered more than a day's portion? Was your attitude colored by grumbling and complaining?
If you are in a current trial, ask yourself these questions in the present tense. 3. Are you in a place of daily trusting the Lord to provide? If yes, take time to praise and thank Him. If no, what do you think the Lord is inviting you to see about the condition of your heart? Spend some time bringing that to Him in prayer. By Nancy Martin; an excerpt from For Such A Time As This: Walking Through Crisis *A moment to reflect is added for this post.
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