And He humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that He might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live(Deut. 8:3).
When the Lord first provided manna for the Israelites, they were amazed. They had never seen anything like it before! This manna truly became the “bread of life” for the weary travelers, sustaining them throughout the 40 long years they traversed the wilderness. Unlike more traditional food sources, the nature of the manna made it clear that God was in charge and that He and He alone was responsible for their survival. At the behest of God, it appeared six days a week and was to be gathered fresh each day; only on the day before the Sabbath could it be saved overnight without spoiling (Ex. 16:4-27). It was impossible to store for future use. God provided only what each family needed, no more and no less. There was nothing the individual Israelite could do to increase his share; there wasn’t even a way to ensure they would receive the next day’s allotment. All they could do was trust in the promise of God.
In this manner, God fed their souls alongside their bodies. The manna was given daily, but the only guarantee they had that it would appear the next day was the Word of God. The Israelites had two choices. They could worry and struggle in a futile effort to control the uncontrollable, or they could, through faith, confidently place their lives in God’s hands. From our readings, we know that the Israelites continuously struggled with this concept of surrendering to God. Throughout their 40-year journey, many died, not from lack of food, but from lack of faith.
The concept of simple, unconditional faith is no easier for us to grasp today than it was for the Israelites during their sojourn through the wilderness, but it is just as necessary for our dayto- day lives. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Heb. 11:1). We live under the same promise as the Israelites. Trust in God, follow Him, live by His Word, and our needs will be met. He humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger. Just as the Israelites suffered, we, too, will face times of uncertainty. We may be hungry, scared, needy, tired, or sick. In many of these situations, we will also be powerless, just like the Israelites in the wilderness. Yet God has promised us that our needs will be met as long as we trust in Him. Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things (Matt. 6: 31-32). In His time, in His way, in His will, by His Word, He will provide.
When faced with adversity, we should rejoice rather than complain! And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me (II Cor. 12:9). Every setback we face allows us the unique opportunity to see our God in action.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all (Ps. 34:19).
Thought for Today: It is important to remember that when living by God, it is no longer the world that determines our needs, but Him.
Christ Revealed: Through the shittim (acacia wood) used to make the Ark of the Covenant (Deut. 10:3). Acacia wood, a desert growth, is symbolic of Christ in His human form. When the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the Law (Gal. 4:4).
Word Studies: 8:2 prove = test; 8:12 full = satisfied; 8:14 thine heart be lifted = you become proud; 8:18 establish His covenant = confirm His agreement with His qualifications; 9:1 fenced = walled.
Pray For Staff:Ryan McCrary • Government Officials: Rep. Christopher Smith (NJ), Sen. James Lankford (OK), Sen Tina Smith (MN) • Country: Swaziland (1,419,623) Southern Africa • Major Languages: English, siSwati • Religious Freedom • 40% Zionist; 20% Roman Catholic; 10% Muslim; 30% Other (Anglican, Bahai, Methodist, Mormon, Jewish) • Prayer Suggestion: Unite with others in prayer; God will bring your request to pass (Matt. 18:19-20).
Optional Reading:Luke 19