"The Israelites ate manna for forty years" Exodus 16:35
I've heard the story my entire life - Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt. They wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. God provided manna for them to eat. God led them to the promised land. - but in reading this section of Exodus recently, I think the implications of this provision really started to sink in.
I think I've always thought more of the plagues of Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea, those seemingly "big" miracles that the storyboards in Sunday school depicted. But as I am learning more and leaning more on God as my Provider I read this story in a different light. For 40 years, God provided the perfect amount of food for each person each day. They were commanded to only gather enough to eat in one day (except on the sixth day they gathered enough for 2 days - the second day being a day of rest) and any extra gathered on the first six days was rotten by morning. They had to trust God completely to only gather enough food for one day and not have any in store for the future. And this happened every day for 40 years!
I am 36 years old and it is astounding to me to think of my entire lifespan being one of waking up each day and trusting that there would be food for that day again provided. Would I be amazed every day like I was at the beginning? Would it become expected? Would I take it for granted? It seems like the Israelites did because they continued to grumble and complain as God was so clearly guiding them and providing for them. Why would I expect to be any different?
As my new practice is growing, I am nearing the end of my time at my current job. I admit that there have been times when I wonder if there will be money to pay the bills, money for food, money for gas. The thought of not having a paycheck coming on a regular scheduled basis is frightening. But then I look at what God has done in such a short period of time. There is no doubt that God is behind Journey of Life Midwifery. That He is leading us and providing for our every need - above and beyond what we imagined! And as I get to this moment of trusting, the moment I step away from a known to the unknown, do I believe that God is going to provide for my needs? The answer, I am learning, is yes.
In the inner peace that defies my understanding (and past personal experience) I hear God saying that I don't have to worry about any of this. Just as I don't worry about if my heart is going to continue to beat or if I will be able to draw in my next breath, I don't have to worry if there will be enough. Because God is my Provider. And with God, there is always the perfect amount at the perfect time.
To God be the glory!
