Enough for the Day

"Then the Lord said to Moses, 'I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.'" Exodus 16:4

I smile when I think about how well God knows us. We think we can hide things from Him, but our all-knowing and loving Heavenly Father knows even our thoughts. In this verse, we see that God understands our need to eat. He created our bodies, and He knows that we need fuel. Eating is not sin. But, eating too much is. The Israelites in this passage were commanded to gather 'enough' for that day. Each person was told to gather "as much as he needs" or one omer per person (Exodus 16:16).

Not all of the Israelites listened. Some folks decided to keep some until the following morning, but it began to smell and was full of maggots (Exodus 16:20). I think of this as a 'scarcity' mentality (which we heard an excellent sermon on at LCBC). We hoard all that we can so that we won't be without. But, we are being disobedient to God when we behave this way.

Growing up in a house of over-eaters, we would often take seconds or eat dessert even if we were full because we knew that if we didn't, it would be gone the next day. And, it really would be gone...but looking back, who really cares?!?! We have to get out of the hoarding mentality if we're going to live godly lives. I started the South Beach Diet right before Thanksgiving one year. My sisters were aghast when I didn't eat potatoes, homemade rolls or pie. I didn't think I could get through it either, but I did. And you know what? I'm still alive to talk about it. The fact that pumpkin pie is only around once a year doesn't mean we have to eat a whole one (which believe me, I could do!).

We need to learn to eat just enough for the day. If that yummy food is gone the next day because another member of our household ate it, that won't kill us. (In fact, in reality it will probably help us in the long run.) We don't need to hoard food. We need to obey God's instructions and take just enough to be a reasonable portion for one person. God created food and even good tasting food (manna was described as tasting like wafers made with honey). But, His instructions were clear...gather enough for each person for the day. He didn't say fill 'er up and keep on going. He tests us to see if we'll be obedient to His instructions.

I will pray that you are able to do this! And, if you don't mind, please pray for me also. I've been falling short of His glory in this area of my life. If you're reading this today, please hold me up in prayer that I can learn this very important life lesson. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You know our struggles. Thank You for creating food for us and also for teaching us how to eat. Please help us take just enough for today. Help us eat proper portions and not hoard food. Help us live generously and eat just enough to be healthy and re-fuel our bodies. May we follow Your instructions wholeheartedly. Thank You for Your Word. We love You, Lord Jesus. In Your name we pray, AMEN!