PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Exodus 15-16
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Everyone had gathered just as much as they needed.” (Exodus 16:18)
Jesus taught us to pray “Give us today our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11)
He urges us not to worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34), but to trust God for today.
The Israelites learned through 40 years in the desert that God would provide enough.
Water, meat, bread, protection from their enemies… they could trust God for the journey.
And yet we hear them grumbling… and am I really that different?
Paul learned over time that he could trust God to care for him, no matter what.
“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.” (Philippians 4:11-13)
This is something we can all learn, and experience.
Instead of thinking about what you don’t have, look at what you do have.
Maybe its not an ‘all-you-can-eat’ buffet, but God’s ‘just enough’ manna is something.
This reminds me of how Jesus thanked God for 5 loaves and 2 fish (Matthew 14:19).
He didn’t complain about what he didn’t have; he gave thanks for what he did have.
And God made it enough for everyone!
Will I choose to trust Jesus for what I need, and thank him for what he provides?
PRAYER
Lord, my focus is often on what is lacking, instead of what you have provided. Help me instead to be thankful, and to trust you for my daily needs.
The training begins: “In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.” Israel is drawn out of Egypt in a dramatic and spectacular way and the power and threat of Egypt is no more and it would be difficult for them to turn back. God has put them in a dry and empty place so that they would learn to trust in Him. The testing begins – beginning with physical thirst – then hunger and longing for meat. God provides and applies testing conditions that they need to follow. Even in Eden God had a condition – and so also today we have conditions – ways that we can acknowledge our trust in the God who provides – in living and walking with Jesus! Thank you Lord – help me in the face of temptation to turn to you!
How quickly do I forget. I proclaim God’s goodness for the many blessings received. God is good all the time. And yet, I am like the Israelites who experienced God’s greatness leaving Egypt land and then started to complain about their lacking. Open my eyes Lord that I see Your many blessings. You have provided and I need to praise Your name. I have more than enough and need to share Your blessings to others in word and deed. The attitude of gratitude needs to be seen by my actions.
“I will sing to the Lord, glorious his triumph.”
I will sing to the Lord, glorious his triumph!
Horse and rider he has thrown into the sea!
The Lord is my strength, my song, my salvation.
This is my God and I extol him, my father’s God
and I give him praise.