Anchor for 28th April 2020

The Lesson of Manna in Your Wilderness Experience. Part 3. Exodus 16:1-35

The wilderness is a tough place to go through. It depicts dryness, scarceness of resources (no vegetation grows in the wilderness), thirst (natural and spiritual), lack of economic activity (no work in the wilderness), sickness and death due to exposure to the extreme weather and dangerous animals like snakes and scorpions.

In the wilderness, there are more questions than answers. Manna was bread but descended from heaven like dew, however the word manna does not actually depict bread. It is a question – What is it? They were literally asking – Where did it come from? What does it taste like? Can it sustain us? We are not used to this kind of food (unfamiliar experience). They ignored the provision (Manna) but raised questions that bothered on their wellbeing and comfort. We still do that today even in this present season – God why did you let this happen? Why was I sacked? How do I take care of my family? Why lose a loved one to this pandemic called COVID-19? Moses responded to this question, not with an answer but a declaration – God provides (Exo. 16:15, Deut. 8:1-8). God is not the cause of this unpleasant situation but we have an assurance that He will provide and guide us through it.

Lesson from Manna in your Wilderness Experience

4. There were some instructions on how much they can gather (Exo.16:16 …they shall gather everyone according to his eating; 2 Cor. 8:15). In the gathering, some exhibited greed (gathered more) while others exhibited need (gathered less). God supernaturally balanced it and everyone had exact portion (Exo.16:18).

In this season, you must practice contentment and love. Make use of what you need and give the extra to someone in need. The wilderness reveals your heart condition towards others. Even in your need you must not be greedy to others or take advantage of others (Exo. 16:20), those who stored to make gains, suffered loses and unpleasant ‘smell’ that brought shame and embarrassment.

5. They found out they could only gather enough for one day at a time, except on the sixth day against the Sabbath (Exo. 16:21-24). In the wilderness, God is teaching us how to live one day at a time, appreciate and enjoy what today brings without being anxious and worried about what tomorrow will bring. This does not negate the place of planning and projecting for the future. You can miss the joy of today because of the anxiety of tomorrow (Matt. 6:34).

Lord, help me to enjoy and appreciate your goodness, mercy and provision for each day. You will enjoy the best of heaven today. Have a wonderful and testimony-filled day.

Shalom!!!