Provisions

Exodus 16 & 17

It's amazing how the journey of the Israelites through the desert is resonating with me so much right now!  I wouldn't say that I am in the midst of a true desert or wilderness time right now, but I am definitely on a journey with ups and downs, needing to trust and follow God's plan and do my part in what He is doing.

Yesterday, I once again marveled at the provisions of the Lord and the specificity in how He provided.  The Israelites needed food and God promised to provide enough each day, with the special instructions to not take more than what was need for one day (except the day before the Sabbath).  Of course some Israelites decided they could take extra in a day, but woke up the next day to find maggots in their food.  In chapter 17, God also provided the water that they needed, and they didn't even ask nicely!

These last couple of years God has really been The Great Provider for our family.  My husband transitioned out of a 12 year ministry job with a regular paycheck, to doing ministry in which raising support was needed.  Over and over again, God has provided exactly what we have needed through a number of different means.  It has been a faith building journey for my husband and I, and for our kids.  I would be lying if I said there were never bumps in the road, and there are times when I wish I had a bit more (like the Israelites), but then I am reminded of the things in this life that really matter and of ALL of the things I have been blessed with and have been able to do.

Well, yesterday I was a little discouraged.  I am a Thirty-One consultant and am really desiring this to be a primary source of income for me.  Of course, in any direct sales job, there are going to be ups and downs.  I had my best ever month in June (another way of God meeting some needs this summer), went to our amazing conference in Denver, and was geared up to keep building momentum as I came home.  Some things in the last couple of weeks have not really gone as I have planned, and I could feel some doubts and discouragement start creeping in.  Of course, God came through for me yesterday, not in a huge way, but in making a small shift, telling me that He is here, He is taking care, and He is continuing to provide.

Just like the manna from heaven, He is giving me exactly what I need for each day.  Believe you me, I look forward to a land flowing with milk and honey!!! I am working towards that.  But as I have been talking with my daughter lately, I need to be content with todays provisions.  I need to be faithful in working towards the goals He has set before me.  I need to remember all that He has done and the promises he has given.  Maybe my promised land is here on earth, maybe it is in Heaven, but regardless I will rejoice in God's faithfulness and provisions and open my heart to the things He wants to teach me on the journey.