My daughter is in college taking on a full load and working two jobs. She is super responsible and a hard worker, but I’ve noticed that sometimes she won't ask for help. Periodically, I’ll check her bank account and see that it is really low. I know she is watching every penny until she gets paid, and it frustrates me that she doesn’t hit me up for some money. I mean, she had no problem doing this as a teenager! There is nothing that gives me more joy than being able to help meet her needs. I don’t want her to go without if I have it in my power to help. All she has to do is ask.
How much more does God love to provide for his children! He has all we need and more, and it brings Him great joy to provide. The Israelites learned this lesson in the wilderness. Things were scarce, but God gave them manna each morning to gather. Take a look at what it says in Exodus 16:
“Some gathered a lot, some only a little. But when they measured it out, everyone had just enough. Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough. Each family had just what it needed” Exodus 16:17-18 (NLT).
Each family had just what it needed. What a beautiful description of God’s provision. But did you notice that the Israelites still needed to do some work? He could have beamed bread right into their stomachs. Instead, He provided just enough where they had to gather some each day.
Sometimes we may be tempted to just pray and wait for God’s provision, but God often calls us to gather, to work, to seek out opportunities. It was Martin Luther who challenged us, “Pray like it all depends on God; work like it all depends on you.” We partner with God in His provision.
When the manna showed up initially in the wilderness, the Israelites had no idea what it was. The word “manna” in Hebrew literally means, “What is it?” You may find yourself receiving God’s provision in new ways. A friend may offer help out of the blue. A new side hustle may open up. A new work opportunity may present itself. In all of this, God is teaching you to trust and walk by faith.
Scarcity is never an excuse to be lazy. It’s not a place of helplessness. It’s a place where you partner with God to see your and your family’s needs met. Even if you find yourself asking, “What is it?” His provision is available, and sometimes it won’t look the way you expect it to. You just need to start gathering. As you give yourself to your tasks today, remember that God loves to provide, especially in the wilderness seasons of our lives. Trust Him today to fill in what is needed.
Pause and Reflect
- In what unexpected ways has God provided for you?
- Are there new opportunities for you to partner with God by going out and gathering His provision.
