Monday Morning Manna
Monday, April 5
Monday Morning Manna
Then the manna ceased on the day after they had eaten the produce of the land; and the children of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate the food of the land of Canaan that year. Joshua 5:12
The distance from Egypt to Canaan was only about a two week direct journey. Yet because of their disobedience to God the generation of Israelites who were delivered from Egypt wandered in the desert for 40 years. Yet through this entire journey we know that God kept His children. God did not leave them without provision during this time. “Then the manna ceased on the day after they had eaten the produce of the land; and the children of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate the food of the land of Canaan that year” (Joshua 5:12). Gentle reminder that God supplies all of our needs.
“What you want and what you need are two different things”- how many times have we heard that said to us? Perhaps too many to count! This punchy truth has never hit home more powerfully for me than now as a parent. It’s clear that if we give our children what they want (every toy they see in the shops, unlimited screen-time and chocolate for each meal!) we would not be doing them any favors.
The manna was the Lord’s miraculous provision for the Israelites in the wilderness. It was just what the Israelites needed. It came with the dew every morning, and the Israelites were allowed to gather as much as they needed for the day. However, they were not allowed to store the manna overnight. When they tried to do so, it spoiled. This was a reminder that God supplies just what we need.
As God is the perfect Father with a faultless parenting style it’s obvious that He doesn’t always give us the things we want, the things we ask for – the things we believe are right for us. As a matter of fact, if the Lord were to give us over to our desires, which are very much influenced by our sinful nature, it would be a rather painful treatment, not a blessing.
Yet we can trust our Father. What He wants for us is for our (eternal) good.
He doesn’t always give us what we want, but that which He knows we truly need.
He’s a kind, wise and perfect Father!
Prayer for today: Loving Father in heaven, You know all the things I want even before I ask them. Please would You help me to understand Your heart and will for me, and follow Your agenda. I choose to trust that You know best! Thank You for loving me in a perfect way! Amen.