“We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!” Numbers 11:5-6
Provision
There’s an old saying, “Hindsight is 20/20” or something to that effect, but not all looking back is good. The children of Israel looked back with very fond memories of what they “used to have” back in Egypt, the land and customs that kept them enslaved. Yet those tasty cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic had left quite an impression upon their tastebuds. They complained and longed for “the good old days”, but really, those days weren’t all that great—they were slaves!
Here we are in 2020. In the USA, we’ve grown accustomed to every conceivable product and service being available at the tap of a finger. We’ve had plenty for our families and enough to share with others. WE ARE SO INCREDIBLY BLESSED! The irony of the coronavirus situation is that some of the most mundane, daily necessities have become scarce—that completely rattles some of our cages. No toilet paper, dried beans or bleach? You’ve got to be kidding. Unheard of. And now hair dye? Yes, there’s now a run on hair dye. Boy, am I glad I made the switch early on to embrace my grays!
Yes, a lot of things have been turned upside down in our world. I must admit, I dearly miss those leisurely times eating out at our favorite restaurants, don’t you? Kind folks actually waited on us hand and foot. And those BLTs with curly fries on the side? Nearly divine. But looking back at how things “used to be” won’t help much. We are in uncharted territory, and Jesus is at the helm (where He’s always been). It’s human nature, like the children of Israel, to pine over the loss of “life as we knew it”, but I feel the Lord pulling us onward to a better place.
He’s made provision ahead of time for this journey. No, we aren’t able to meet in large groups to worship right now, but thanks to the digital age, we are still worshiping. We’re still able to fellowship too, and keep in touch by text, email, phone, and stuff I don’t even yet know how to run. God saw this time coming! I used to complain about electronic stuff (still not my favorite) but right now, it is literally a “God-send.” I’m so thankful, aren’t you?
In some ways, I sense an even sweeter connection between the Lord and His people. A lot of distractions have been removed. It’s back to basics, and we’re all looking up, seeking and knocking, listening and waiting. Something is definitely up, and we want to be ready. As Sherlock Holmes once said, “Come, Watson, come! The game is afoot. Not a word! Into your clothes! Come!” **
Lord Jesus, help us be ready, with an ear to hear what our role is, in this very strange era. Deliver us from fear, to go boldly into the harvest field with the mighty tool of Your love. Help us speak Your words of life and peace to those You bring our way. Amen.
Amen
Thank you!
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Being retired and not the most social person in the neighborhood, all the shut down/lock down things haven’t impacted me as much as others, but if it’s affecting believers a little or a lot, there must be some good that can come of it.
Something is definitely afoot. We live in an exciting time as we wait to meet the Lord in the air!!!
Praying everyday for an awakening in the world. Praying that Christians will stand up and give testimony of God’s existence, Love, and His Sovereignty.