Stewarding the Heart: Having Patience When God is Freeing You. Message Magazine’s Online Devotional for Sunday, March 24, 2019
Listen to “Thoughts in Worship 03.24.2019” on Spreaker.
“But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes” (Numbers 11:6).
The Lord demonstrated His love and patience for the Israelites for many years. He heard their cry and sent a liberator through whom He would deliver them from slavery. Through the entire process, He was restoring their religion, dignity, and respect among those who did not believe in God. All of this was done that they might know that God was desperately in love with them, and that the world would know that the God of heaven is the one true God who was worthy of worship.
When Freedom Frustrates
All too often the children of Israel complained about the way God was choosing to manifest their freedom. Murmuring became an intolerable habit that God hated. It is a blessing to know that in spite of the fact that God knew before He set them free, that they would behave this way, He still loved them.
One of the complaints they often related was their lust for the rich foods of Egypt. Food, for the children of Israel, like it does for many people today, enslaved their minds. The Lord gave them a miracle of provision while they wandered in the wilderness. “Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no” Exodus 16:4.
In spite of this perfect food that God provided, they still cried for the fleshpots of Egypt. “But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes” Numbers 11:6. How could their souls be dried up when God Himself, knowing their need, gave them bread from heaven? This bread was an object lesson about the Messiah, the perfect provision for all of our needs (John 6:35).
Reflection
Do we wander in our wilderness of life with dry souls? How can it be that God has given every provision for us and we still cry that our souls are dry? Eat and drink from the heavenly storehouse. God always supplies all of our needs (Philippians 4:19). Pray today, that the Lord will teach you how to accept His perfect provision and be satisfied. Why should your soul be dry?
Welcome to the privilege of becoming faithful stewards of your hearts. Manage responsibly, in Jesus’ name.
