God Has What I Need

Context

The Israelites had been freed from Egypt about a month earlier. Generations in slavery and captivity, and God performed miracles that convinced the Egyptians to let them go. Then God parted a sea, led them with a cloud by day and fire by night. They had no water, so God made it flow from a rock. Now they were hungry. In the desert, a month after they were set free.

Passage

Exodus 16:3–5 NLT

“If only the Lord had killed us back in Egypt,” they moaned. “There we sat around pots filled with meat and ate all the bread we wanted. But now you have brought us into this wilderness to starve us all to death.” Then the Lord said to Moses, “Look, I’m going to rain down food from heaven for you. Each day the people can go out and pick up as much food as they need for that day. I will test them in this to see whether or not they will follow my instructions. On the sixth day they will gather food, and when they prepare it, there will be twice as much as usual.”

Exodus 16:27–32 NLT

Some of the people went out anyway on the seventh day, but they found no food. The Lord asked Moses, “How long will these people refuse to obey my commands and instructions? They must realize that the Sabbath is the Lord’s gift to you. That is why he gives you a two-day supply on the sixth day, so there will be enough for two days. On the Sabbath day you must each stay in your place. Do not go out to pick up food on the seventh day.” So the people did not gather any food on the seventh day. The Israelites called the food manna.* It was white like coriander seed, and it tasted like honey wafers. Then Moses said, “This is what the Lord has commanded: Fill a two-quart container with manna to preserve it for your descendants. Then later generations will be able to see the food I gave you in the wilderness when I set you free from Egypt.”

Title: God Has What I Need

Prayer

Have you ever complained about something you once prayed for? This is where the Israelites found themselves. It’s interesting that God heard their cries in captivity, and heard their complaints in the desert. (We are so funny, as people. The Israelites are such a good model of humanity.)

I once prayed to get into college.

But then I had a roommate. The first thing she said to me was, “I asked them to give me someone older.”

1. He is here with me.

Exodus 16:10 NLT

And as Aaron spoke to the whole community of Israel, they looked out toward the wilderness. There they could see the awesome glory of the Lord in the cloud.

God was already with the Israelites before (How did God know they needed food? Because He was WITH THEM, He HEARD THEM, He PROVIDED FOR THEM) He’s made it accessible to me. He’s prepared it for Me. my need. If God said it, He will do it. I can trust Him. (He knows your need before you even ask)Did you know your greatest need is actually His presence?

HIS PRESENCE BRINGS REFRESHING.

Acts 3:20 ESV

that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus,

Matthew 28:20 NLT

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

2. He knows what I need.

Physically but also spiritually. FOOD & REST. We need a soul rest. When we see a need in the natural, its important not to forget His character. He loves to give good gifts to His children.

Matthew 6:8 NLT

Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!

God’s will means God’s way.

Matthew 6:31–33 NLT

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God* above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

3. He has a plan. (Invite band up)

Invitation to TRUST Him. We are a part of something bigger than ourselves. A God-sized plan, not a human sized plan! Others would benefit from them being provided for. It’s not just so their bellies would be full. But because it’s His character to look after His people. Let’s not forget that we are a part of a story that spans generations. *Gma Shorty coming to America*

He is doing the work. We get to join in His family, what He is doing - and TRUST Him. His will means His way. There is rest here. Just like the rest He gave the Israelites.

Psalm 127:1–2 ESV

Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.

Recap Points

Pray/Ministry Time

______

Alter Call

God is able to provide. The gift of His presence. The gift of REST. There remains For those a rest…God is able to give me rest. God is able to give me what I need. Rest is a part of His plan.I am a part of His plan. (not the other way around)* (Generations will see) The Israelites were FAMOUS for not trusting God’s plan. But God knew what He wanted to do through them, as flawed as they were. Imagine how amazed they were by each miracle, but they soon forgot. (If I’m stressing about something, do I really need it?…more time studying, that extra hour at the office.) So when we have a need, we look to Jesus, the author & finisher.

OTHER NOTES//

Physically (food)

Spiritually (community, daily bread)

Emotionally (soul) Belonging, relationships.