Our Stories Unleashed

Provision In The Year Ahead

Have you experienced that moment of surprise and revelation when something that you thought would not work out, actually does work out? One month my wife (Ashley) and I received a note from someone who I would consider a loose acquaintance. Ashley had done business with the woman before and through those interactions had spoken with her a few times, but that was the extent of the relationship as far as I can recall. Then, completely unforeseen by us, this woman got in touch with our family to tell us that she was going to give us a little money to use on whatever we might need. No strings attached. No expectations of reciprocation. She just felt prompted by the Lord and was acting on faith. We were absolutely blown away. And we had a wonderful steak dinner thanks to her!  

I’m joking – about the last part at least! We did not use the money on a steak dinner. We put it towards some very real needs that we had in the moment. It was an amazing gift of provision and, more than that, of peace. God allowed us to see His hand working through this woman in our lives. He was showing us His never-failing faithfulness - His holy provision. 

This Sunday’s sermon was about living in exile as a remnant. Living in exile is trusting the Word of the Lord to be true even though circumstances say otherwise. Another passage that reflects this truth is Exodus 16.  In it we find the Israelites, newly freed from slavery in Egypt, crossing the wilderness to reach the promised land. This was a long process, though, and the Israelites were physically ill-prepared. They began to grumble, wishing they were dead rather than under the seeming turmoil of a lack of resources. And it’s in their grumbling that the Lord responds. 

“Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not.” Exodus 16:4 (ESV) 

Every day the Israelites would wake to find fine flakes on the ground which they could gather and bake into bread. This manna, as they came to call it, was their evidence of provision. It was not what they wanted, but it was what they needed to sustain them for the journey. They ate manna for 40 years, and with each bite God was teaching them to trust Him. You see, the manna was fuel for their journey, yes, but it was also a sign of greater things to come. The land they sought was called “a land of milk and honey (3:8).” The manna, with a taste like “wafers made with honey (16:31)”  was a foreshadowing of things to come. God had a greater thing in store for the Israelites than wilderness wandering, but the greater thing was less a physical destination and more a purpose. This purpose was realization of His constant presence,  His unfailing provision, and His commitment to His promises. 

The same is true for you and I. God is faithful. He is just. He hears you. He sees you. He is with you. He promises to be found by you, when you allow your heart to fully seek Him. This week, I challenge you to look back at the years past (specifically this year just passed) and ask God to open your eyes to His faithful provision. Then, ask the Spirit to help you look ahead with hope and expectation at the purposes God is calling you into – knowing that the destination is less a place or circumstance and more a deep communion with Him through Christ and the work of the Spirit in your life.