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As far as the eye could see there were tents and people. Beyond the encampment only barren wasteland, craggy rock and open wilderness surrounded them. No trees, no vegetation, no life at all. They had been wandering for weeks, traveling from place to place. Setting up camp only to dismantle and move on.
How long was this going to go on? They were tired and hungry. The food they had brought with them was gone. They were being led deeper into the desert away from the trade routes where there were other travelers and fresh supplies.
At this point, the Israelites had a choice. They could trust God to lead them and provide as He had done in the past or they could let their fear and hunger lead them away from Him. They chose to turn from God and blame Moses.
They remembered the meat and vegetables in Egypt, but forgot what it felt like to walk across the bottom of a river while God held the waters back. They remembered plenty of food and water, but forgot the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire that was God’s continual presence. They grumbled and complained and accused Moses of bringing them to the desert to starve.
But God had not forgotten them. He spoke to Moses saying, “…I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, ‘At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.’” (Exodus 16:12 NIV)
That evening quail came and covered the camp and in the morning they found the strange bread they would call manna. God provided their bread, every day for forty years. He knew what they needed. He had not led them into the desert to starve nor left them there without provision. Eventually, in His time, when they had learned the lessons He intended, He led them to “a land flowing with milk and honey”.
God hasn’t changed. He still knows what His children need. Whatever you are hungry for He can and will satisfy. If we “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness”, He will provide. Like the Israelites in the wilderness, it’s our choice to trust Him or turn away.
Jesus taught us to pray, “Give us our daily bread”. Give us what we need for today. One day at a time. God will not let His children be hungry.
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