READ: EXODUS 16:8-31, 35; NUMBERS 14:8; PHILIPPIANS 4:10-20

Sometimes God only gives us what we need for the moment. Can you relate? Maybe God is only providing enough money for your family to get by each month, or maybe He sent you a temporary friend instead of a longer lasting friendship. You fill in the blank.

In the book of Exodus, when the Israelites ran out of food in the wilderness, they began to grumble. They complained to God. Still our merciful God made food for them. He placed a bread-like substance called manna around the camp in the morning and quail in the evening.

God commanded the Israelites to take enough manna for each person in their families, and to keep no leftovers to eat later. However, some of the people did not trust God enough to believe that He would supply food for the following day. So, they kept some extra. But the next morning, the leftover manna was full of worms.

Even after all the complaints and distrust of the people, God still fed the Israelites. Eventually, He led this nation to the land He’d promised them—the land flowing with milk and honey.

God may provide for our needs a little every day, but sooner or later, God will bring us to the land of milk and honey. Because Jesus died, rose again, and ascended into heaven, we can have hope in His promise to come back one day and make all things new. Then we’ll have everything we could ever need and more. Until that day, God gives us glimpses of our future by providing for our needs right now. What a generous God we serve! • Alia Grace Murray

• Can you remember a time when you felt like you had just barely enough? What are some ways you saw God provide for you, maybe through opportunities, or the generosity of others, or even things that were seemingly random?

• Sometimes God provides way more than we need. Have you ever seen God do this, whether in your life or the life of somebody else? Consider taking a moment to thank Him for that!

• Are you going through a tough time? God doesn’t leave us to walk through difficulties alone. If we know Jesus, He is with us through the Holy Spirit, offering His strength and comfort. And He works through fellow Christians to encourage and help us as well. Who is a trusted Christian you could talk to if you or someone you know doesn’t have what you need?

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)