15 AUGUST
THE MANNA STOPPED

“And the manna ceased the day after they ate of the produce of the land. And there was no longer manna for the people of Israel, but they ate of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.”(Joshua 5:12)

For 40 long years in the wilderness, God supplied manna daily, as food, to the Israelites. As they entered Canaan, the Lord gave them food from the produce of the land. The land was ready for planting and harvesting through the work of their hands. The miracle of provision was no longer necessary.

In the same way, God gives us miraculous provisions as needed but He expects us to use the talents and resources He has given us to work diligently to provide for ourselves. This is why it is said that “prayer is not an alternative to preparation, and faith is not a substitute for hard work”

While giving to God provokes multiplication from Him, sowing seeds of finance in a church or ministry is not an alternative to hard work. They work hand in hand. Prayers, sowing of seeds of time, talent and treasure, as well as consistent hard work, all work together to fulfil God’s promise of provision and blessings.

We could also compare manna to the teaching and guidance from older Christians in the early part of our Christian life and how God makes the walk with Him easy, with immediate answers to prayers, little or no challenges and temptations. But there comes a time when we get to adulthood in our Christian life, like getting into Canaan; then we have to study deeply, pray more with greater fervency and teach the younger ones. And we also face challenges and temptations, with strength and faith – such that it is as if we pass through fire.

But thank God that we have the grace to come forth like refined gold, if we remain steadfast.

ACTION: Reflect on your Christian journey so far – are you growing or still a baby Christian?

PRAYERS: Father God, please grant me wisdom to see your will and provisions; as well as the strength and motivation to work to achieve your purpose.