Satisfied With God's Provision

Exodus 16:35, "And the children of Israel did eat manna forty years, until they came to a land inhabited; they did eat manna, until they came unto the borders of the land of Canaan."

As I read this passage I thought about eating manna for forty years. Indeed that is a long time to eat the same thing. Just like this people, it is possible to not be grateful for what God was providing.  God provided so very much for the children of Israel.  15 He clave the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the great depths. 16 He brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers. 17 And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness. 18 And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust. 19 Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness? 20 Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can he give bread also? can he provide flesh for his people? 21 Therefore the Lord heard this, and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel; 22 Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation: 23 Though he had commanded the clouds from above, and opened the doors of heaven, 24 And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven. 25 Man did eat angels' food: he sent them meat to the full. (Psalm 78:15-25)

We need to be grateful for what God provides, no matter what that provision is. If it is manna for 40 years, then we need to be thankful. We often take for granted what God provides, and when He does, we aren't happy or satisfied with what it was that He provided. 

Do you take God's provision for granted? Even worse, do you complain that it is insufficient or not what you prefer?  Or, are you aware of His provision and grateful for it.

As a constant reminder of God's provision Moses commanded Aaron, "Take a pot, and put an omer full of manna therein, and lay it up before the LORD, to be kept for your generations." (vs. 33) This would become a testimony of God's faithful provision for His people.

May we be thankful and satisfied with God's provision in our lives!  "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." (Colossians 3:15)

Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott

QUESTIONS TO PONDER
1.  Have you taken God's provision for granted in your life?  How can you better recognize His provision?

2.  Do you find yourself complaining about what you don't have?  Why is this so?

3.  What more do you need than that which He has provided?