Remember the Awe

The people of Israel called the bread manna. It was white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey. – Exodus 16:31

Can you imagine what it must have been like for the Israelites to wake up that first morning and see the provision of the Lord displayed all around them? The bible tells us that it was like coriander seeds and tasted like wafers made with honey. I imagine that they slowly picked it up, examined it and cautiously lifted it to their lips and tasted it. Then their eyes lit up, smiles crossed their faces and they wanted more. After eating their portion for the day they would sleep peacefully, completely satisfied and filled with their bread from heaven.

The next day the awe and excitement would return as they again saw and enjoyed the bread that the Lord had rained down on them. As time went on they began to trust that God would always meet their needs. We also read in the bible that during the forty years that God led them through the wilderness, their clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on their feet. (Deuteronomy 29:5)

But we also read that over time they grew accustomed to the manna and began to complain that they wanted something different. They compared their current situation with the options available to them when they were in Egypt, conveniently forgetting those options included slavery. They lost their awe of what God was and had been doing to sustain them.

We do the same thing. Think of a time in your life when you’ve experienced the provision of God. The relief you felt when the healing came or the money to pay the bills miraculously was provided. Think about when your prayer was answered and your loved one finally arrived home safely or when you felt lost and alone and His presence surrounded you with love.

Remember the awe you felt when you first came to know Jesus as your Lord and Savior. The way your heart pounded in your chest and your eyes filled with joyful tears at the grace you had just received when your sins were washed away. Do you remember wanting more of Jesus? Do you remember experiencing the peace that only He can give? Do you still fill completely satisfied with your Bread from Heaven, the Bread of Life….Jesus?

Father, please forgive our complaining and comparing about the more then generous provision You give us on a daily basis. Help us to remember the awe of YOU! You are more than enough Lord, You are everything. In Jesus’ name, amen.