Manna

I have been thinking a lot lately about the manna that the Israelites were given in the wilderness. How it was sweet and filling and straight from the Provider. Also, how there was just enough each day to meet their needs. Any more and it would spoil. Each and everyday they rose, went out, expectant for God to provide this life-sustaining food for them. After all those years, do you think it became second nature for them to look to Him to provide? Do you think it increased their faith?And every day He did. It is such a picture for us.

As Christians, God wants to provide our needs, He desires to give us what we want, but we have to become in the habit of looking to HIM to provide it. I think our minds are too small, (as well as our expectations) for Him to give us everything we need for this life in one swoop. He knows that part of this faith walk is to be able to look expectantly into His face and believe that HE has everything we need. Everything.

Our adoption is the reason I have been thinking about manna and those Israelites. If He would have given us all we needed to financially back this adoption, I know I would not have looked to Him with the fervency that I am looking at Him now. Nor would I appreciate when He allows the blessing to flow at the exact time we need them to.

You know what..I don't think I would have the confidence that adoption is exactly what He has called us to either. There is something about God calling AND providing that makes the call even more sacred.

Another thing that the children of Israel did, was they went. They put feet to their faith and when it was time to pack up and leave Egypt. They went. They gave God the chance to provide. Could He have provided for them in Egypt..well, yes, but would they have recognized Him for who He is....Jehovah Jirah. The God who provides.

Sometimes it takes a call. A step of faith to really really see God as our provider. Sometimes it takes the simple act of just picking up the manna and having the faith to not doubt it will be there tomorrow too.

We joke about how many stares we will get when our homeschooling family increases to 7 with two Ethiopian children, but it is my prayer that we will be a living testimony of God's provision. How HE alone can take simple Israelite slaves and turn them into a mighty banner of His love, grace and yes, His provision.