“‘At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.’”

— Exodus 16:12

After God rescued his people from slavery in Egypt, they soon found themselves out in the desert without food and water. And here the people defaulted to complaining and wondering if God wanted anything good for them.

After being away from slavery for just a short while, their memory got distorted: “Remember Egypt, where we had plenty to eat? Those were the good old days!”

God had done amazing miracles to deliver his people from Egypt. But it would take time and many trials for them to learn to trust God to provide for them each day.

God endured their grumbling and graciously rained down food upon them. In the evening they received quail for meat, and in the morning they discovered thin flakes of a mysterious “bread from heaven” on the ground.

My African friends—many of whom know what it means to have to trust God for “daily bread”—often say, “God makes a way where there is no way.”

When we come to the Lord’s table, we receive the miraculous gift of grace in the form of bread and wine (or juice). This simple practice can actual­ly train us in the discipline of trusting God.

God takes care of his people.

Lord, trusting you does not come naturally to us. Thank you for enduring our grumbling and impatience and for showing us, again and again, that you will take care of us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.