Just Enough

Scripture:

Ex. 16:13   In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp.  14 When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground.  15 When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat.  16 This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Gather as much of it as each of you needs, an omer to a person according to the number of persons, all providing for those in their own tents.’”  17 The Israelites did so, some gathering more, some less.  18 But when they measured it with an omer, those who gathered much had nothing over, and those who gathered little had no shortage; they gathered as much as each of them needed.  19 And Moses said to them, “Let no one leave any of it over until morning.”  20 But they did not listen to Moses; some left part of it until morning, and it bred worms and became foul. And Moses was angry with them.  21 Morning by morning they gathered it, as much as each needed; but when the sun grew hot, it melted.

Observation:

When you think about this amazing miracle of provision it is a bit overwhelming. As the people moved from place to place it would be difficult to feed them all. Carrying extra food with them would have been a challenge and so God provided exactly what they needed — when they needed it. There was no need to hoard any extra for God would provide again the next day. If they were obedient, he would provide.

Application:

Last evening my daughter sent me a video of our granddaughter playing in the bathtub. She was squealing with delight as enjoyed her toys and the nice warm water. As I watched that video I thought about God’s desire for us, as his children. My granddaughter doesn’t worry about anything. Her every need is provided by her parents. They feed her, change her and love her. They give her just the right amount of food when she needs it — and she never has to worry about where her next meal is going to come from. It’s all cared for!

Jesus reminded us that we were to be as little children. Over and over again in the Scriptures God has shown himself to be faithful. The Israelites discovered that they could depend upon him day after day to provide just enough. This was significant as well. Just imagine if my daughter and son-in-law would give our granddaughter all of her food for a week on Monday. That would be really ridiculous. What would she do with it? (Probably wear it) — And that would look silly.

Our spiritual growth and development comes when we depend upon the Lord for daily provision. This includes the spiritual and emotional strength for all that we will encounter. It is the provision of all that we need to serve him faithfully in the kingdom. It may not always be what we thought it would be — but it is what we need. God provides us with enough of who he is to match the challenges of every day. The Israelites would have enough to eat if they would go out and gathered it. We will have enough provision if we have our daily soak in his holy presence. In that place God will provide just enough.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for your incredible love and peace.  Amen.


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