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"The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate of the produce of Canaan" (Joshua 5:12).
as I do my work on the computer!
We have a cat named "Dottie". She was born to the farm cat who adopted us when we first moved to Pennsylvania nearly five years ago. We have a gizmo that stores her food in a hopper and slowly empties it into her feeding dish as she eats. When the hopper starts to run out Dottie appears to be worried. She paws into the sparse cat morsels as if to see how much is left. Yesterday I filled the hopper as Dottie watched on. In trying to detect the thoughts of a spiritual cat I believe she was rejoicing as she thought, "My prayers have been answered!"
I only recall hearing the above text preached once during my life. It was by a friend of mine in upstate Pennsylvania named Dave Zuchelli. I really don't recall the specific points but remember that this message fed my soul and challenged my life some 25 years ago.
God miraculously provided the manna for the children of Israel in the wilderness. At first it was fascinating and quite tasty (Exodus 16). Then it became a source of discontent and grumbling (Numbers 11:6). Surely many in the new generation merely took it for granted as they had grown up with this miraculous provision. When the daily text was written the people are in the Promised Land and eating of its provisions when the provision of manna suddenly stopped.
God provides but not always as we expect. We care about Dottie and we are going to be sure she has food. We may change the brand of cat food or the dispenser which might bewilder or even worry her, but she will be cared for. How much more does God care for us!!!
Consider His care in your life today. Are you worried and upset about a matter? In God's time He sends manna and at other times He stops and provides other provision. Surely the ceasing of what had become routine was just as mysterious to the people as the initial provision. But God was in control and He still is and He always will be!
God will make a way, where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me.
He will be my guide, Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way. *
Be encouraged today,
Stephen C. Weber
Brooksyne's prayer: Jesus, there is no one who has ever cared for me so completely as You. From the time You knit me together in my mother's womb Your presence has been with me. You are the only one who completely provides for my spiritual, physical and material needs. No problem is too small or great for You as I bring my requests before You. So once again, this day, I trust You to provide for me and replace my worries with Your reassurance. As I plan my course this day, keep me mindful that You determine my steps. In Your name I pray. Amen.
* "God Will Make A Way" Moen, Don © 1990 Integrity's Hosanna! Music (ASCAP) (c/o Integrity Music, Inc.) CCLI License No. 2005306 Here is a beautiful audio file of this song on the site of a local church.
Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.