When the Israelites saw [manna], they said to each other, “What is it?” ~ Exodus 16:15
READING: Numbers 11:7-9
Manna usually falls as gently and silently as it did that first morning when it hid beneath the morning dew. It is amazingly easy to miss it.
The first time I knew for sure that we had been in Manna Time was during our first church plant. Early in February we found out that we owed an additional $1,000 for federal taxes, due within two short months. For us that seemed an impossible sum to pay. Jim gathered our little family around the kitchen table and explained the situation, affirming that God was going to help us. We prayed in faith for $1,000. Then we collected all our spare cash (about $10) and sent it anonymously to a needy family in our church.
To this day I’m not exactly sure how God provided. We never got an unexpected check in the mail or other obvious help. Mysteriously our bank balance gradually inched higher. Afterwards, bemusedly, we noticed that for those few months our old car didn’t need any repairs, neither of our little boys outgrew their shoes or jeans and none of us got sick. Often during those months the grocery store “happened” to drastically discount their prices on the exact items I normally bought.
On April 15, Jim and our two boys and I gathered around the kitchen table once again and cheered loudly as Jim wrote a check for the full payment. We fervently thanked God. It was a pivotal teachable moment for our whole family. As for myself, I resolved to be more alert next time around, to spot more of God’s sweet and subtle provisions.
Father, Help me to notice when You send manna, however disguised, and help me to receive it with gladness. Amen.
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