For four decades, forty interminable years, the Hebrew nation wandered in the Sinai Peninsula, a barren wasteland devoid of human necessities required by the million-or-so Hebrews.
Where could a multitude of hungry people find food in the wilderness? In the dessert, where could they find water for themselves and their flocks? Walking through dry sand and over sharp rocks would require sturdy footwear. And how about clothing? The nomadic tribes of Israel would need to constantly repair or replace their torn and worn-out clothing.
With a population five times larger than all of Amarillo, this massive horde of people needed truckloads of supplies! Where do you find these in the wilderness?
Food? The emancipated brick-makers complained, “ ‘If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in the land of Egypt, when we sat by pots of meat and ate all the bread we wanted. Instead, you brought us into this wilderness to make this whole assembly die of hunger!’ Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘I am going to rain bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day’ ” (Exodus 16:3-4, CSB). God’s provision was bigger than their need!
Water? When the Jewish sojourners “grumbled against Moses” concerning their burning thirst, God miraculously provided. “When you hit the rock, water will come out of it and the people will drink!” (Exodus 17:1–7, CSB).
Shoes and clothing? The Almighty and Ever-Present God “provided for them in the wilderness forty years, and they lacked nothing. Their clothes did not wear out, and their feet did not swell” (Nehemiah 9:21, CSB). They wore the same shoes for four decades!
Near the end of the forty-year wilderness walk, God reminded them, “Remember that the Lord your God led you on the entire journey these forty years in the wilderness, so that he might humble you and test you to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you by letting you go hungry; then he gave you manna to eat, which you and your ancestors had not known, so that you might learn that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Your clothing did not wear out, and your feet did not swell these forty years” Deuteronomy 8:2-4 (CSB).
There’s a lesson for us! God provides, even in the wilderness... your wilderness!
Abraham proclaimed God’s name: Jehovah-Jireh! “The Lord Will Provide” (Genesis 22:14, CSB). Pray to the Provider! He’s listening, and He’s able to meet your need!
Jesus reminds us that He provides, even in the wilderness! “Don’t worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ ... Your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you” (Matthew 6:31–33, CSB).
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