When I read this scripture, my heart was convicted. Every day God had provided bread for the people by sending manna, "the food of angels." But they stopped seeing what he provided and saw only what they thought was lacking. They became impatient with God; they complained and spoke disrespectfully, "We hate the bread that you give us." They were ungrateful for his daily provision.
I had been very worried lately about the budget of the non-profit organization where I work. In the past, we'd had funds in our account beyond our immediate needs, but lately themoney came only to meet the immediate need. In the past, it had been very comfortable to see money sitting in the bank and not having to pray regularly for finances. These last months, I'd been praying fervently forthe finances andhoping forsubstantial gifts. When small gifts came, I was ungrateful and remained fearful. I wasn't able to see that these small, faithful donationsare the daily bread. We never lacked "bread."
God has never disappointed us and faithfully meets our needs as they arise. He wants us to be grateful for what he gives each day, for his faithfulness and steadfast love that are new every morning. As believers, the best situation we can be in is one that demands prayer, thanksgiving, and faith.
Just as God sent snakes to attack his untrusting people in the wilderness, when we mistrust God, it opens the door for the enemy to attack us. We become critical of others, angry, and easily hurt; we may even separate ourselves from the body of believers.When God provided the manna for the people,he told them to gather only as much as they needed for each day, yet some of them didn't trust him and gathered extra for the next day "just in case." This extra manna became foul and full of worms. When we don't trust God and are ungrateful for his daily provision, it becomes in our lives like a worm of bitterness.
For those who repented of their sin, God provided a solution for their healing and forgiveness. So too, when we repent of our lack of trust and our ungratefulness, he provides our forgiveness. All we need to do is to look to Jesus. I thank God that his Word can change our lives, bring healing, and restore faith.
"As Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the desert, in the same way the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life." (John 3:14-15)
- 31 MARCH -