Read: Exodus 16
In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. Exodus 16:13–14
The Israelites were complaining that they had no food to eat in the desert. They asked Moses why he had to lead them out of Egypt so that they could die in a wasteland. Moses countered saying that their quarrel was not with him but with God. In truth, Moses might have had the same questions lurking in his own heart. How was he going to feed so great a multitude of people in the desert? The answer, of course, was that he was not. It was not Moses’ job to feed the people—that was God’s responsibility. What Moses and the Israelites needed to do was to trust that the God who had brought them out of Egypt and into freedom could provide meals for them in the desert. The wandering band of Hebrews needed to learn to trust in God’s provision.
Lo and behold, the Israelites discovered that there was just enough quail and manna in the desert to meet their needs. That didn’t mean they had all they wanted. Unfortunately, the complaints of the wandering Hebrews would continue, but they would not starve in the desert. Even in a place of desolation, God provides.
Do you grumble about unfulfilled wants?
Lord, I know there are too many times when I doubt Your provision. Even though You have faithfully provided for all my needs, when the next challenge I must face presents itself, I begin to worry and grumble about not being able to make it through. If I can’t figure a situation out, if the resources I need are not readily at hand, if the obstacles before me appear greater than my ability to overcome them, I assume I am lost. Why don’t I assume that in such situations You will provide? You always have. It’s true that I have plenty of limitations—left on my own I would die in the desert. But I am not alone. You are with me. And You promise to provide. Help me to trust in that provision. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN.