After Israelites left Egypt for the land of Promise, they grumble their way through the hot miserable desert. Even though God had demonstrated His watchful care for them, they still felt alone facing the threat of starvation and thirst. (Exodus 15:22-25; 16:4-15). Their memories of His care for them, last no longer than their last meal. They complain. Wouldn’t you?
How long does our faith endure when we are tested? “Is the Lord in our midst or not?” In other words, is He still keeping up with me?
The people had little choice but to depend on God. No grain fields, no ready water supply, no real nourishment. They told Moses in certain terms. “Why did you bring us out here to suffer? We weren’t so bad off in Egypt. At least we weren’t starving!” (Exodus 16)
God responds by sending the manna and the quail. He provides water from a rock. He is in their midst! He did work miracles for them. He did provide. But it was a daily exercise in faith. Every day, they had to gather. They needed faith for each day…. that the manna would fall and the water would flow.
But what about me here and now? It’s my “daily bread” I’m after.
I am learning to take each day as it comes……praying that God will provide a blessing for that day. Tomorrow is up to Him. I know He loves me but also wants my attention. He gets it! That’s the greatest part of faith. It’s my daily dependence upon the One who cares the most.
Yes, the Lord is in our midst…….you can depend on it.
AbideLines 