Sketchy Lent: Manna & Quail
A visual devotional on God's provision in the wilderness
And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, and the people of Israel said to them, "Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger." Then the Lord said to Moses, "Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not." (Exodus 16:2-4, ESV)
God provides in The Wilderness
After being led out of Egypt, the Israelites found themselves in The Wilderness, hungry and afraid.
They began to complain. They Even wished they had died in Egypt rather than face the hardship and uncertainty of the desert. But God heard their cries and provided for them — manna from heaven.
Every morning, the Israelites would find a fine, flaky substance on the ground, which tasted like wafers made with honey. God filled the empty desert with his provision.
God instructed them to gather only enough for each day, trusting that He would provide again the next morning. This daily portion was both a reminder that God was with them, even in the wilderness but also a test of their faith that God would again provide for them.
Like the Israelites, it’s easy to focus on what we lack rather than God’s provision.
It’s also easy to forget God’s past faithfulness when new challenges arise.
During this season of Lent, it’s an opportunity to reflect on our dependency on God. To remind ourselves of God’s past faithfulness. To let go of our self-reliance and trust that God will again provide for our needs.
As we continue through this season, let’s reflect on and be grateful for what God has provided and trust that he will provide what we need.
Reflections
Can you think of a time when God provided for you in an unexpected way? How did that experience deepen your faith and trust in Him?
Are there any areas of lack or need in your life right now? Take a moment to bring those concerns to God and ask Him to provide for you, both physically and spiritually.
What practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to cultivate a greater sense of dependence on God and gratitude for His provision?
Prayer
Father, thank you that you are our provider. Thank you for all the time you have provided for us in the past. Thank you that we can trust you to give us all we need. Help me to trust in you to provide even in seasons when I lack. Help me to pass the tests that you have provided and grow deeper in trust and relationship with you.
Amen