Anchor for 24th April 2020

The Lesson of Manna in Your Wilderness Experience. Exodus 16:1-35

We are living in uncertain times where we have to adjust and adapt to some new protocols and procedures in our daily lives – face mask, hand sanitizer, social distancing, lockdown, online church services in our homes even on Easter Sunday, an unprecedented occurrence to many of us.

This adjustment goes beyond the physical to mental and emotional trauma – fear, anxiety, depression. This uncertainty reminds us that we are not in control of our own lives.

This was the experience of the children of Israel when they left Egypt, the house of bondage, and wandered in the wilderness for forty (40) years. They had no clue of where they were going and how to get there. The wilderness experience took them through a season where resources were scarce, food was in short supply, and they watched loved ones die without proper burials. But in the midst of these uncertainties, two things were realized: (1) God is with us (Isa. 43:2). (2) God will guide us through this (Jer. 2:6,7).

Lessons from Manna in the Wilderness – Exodus 16:1-35

God was with them, God led them by the pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night; and above all, God provided food for them in the form of manna – sustenance (Exo. 16:4). There were specific instructions on how to handle the manna which will serve as lessons to help us go through this season (Deut 8:1-3, Exo 16:1-35).

1. They were to gather manna first thing in the morning (Exo. 16:13-16). When you wake up, do not pick your phone to see the daily casualty update on COVID-19, do not turn on CNN; go out to see what I have provided for you (God’s goodness and faithfulness). Your health is intact, no loss in your family, there is food in your house (no matter how little), there is a roof over your head, you may be restricted moving around but you are not on a wheel chair.

The wilderness is a season of thanksgiving and gratitude for God’s faithfulness and blessings upon our lives. Stop complaining, go find your manna. Take stock of what God has provided for you and what He has prevented from happening to you and your family (evil occurrence); and be thankful to God.

You shall enjoy the abundance and goodness of the Lord today, Heaven will give you a reason to rejoice and celebrate this weekend.

Stay grateful. Shalom!!!