Manna For This Moment

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “bread crumbs for life?”

You might immediately think of leftovers, wondering what they have to do with life, or ponder someone being satisfied with less.

Perhaps you envision a bird’s delight upon finding a crumb of food, just enough for itself and its nestlings.

Recalling childhood fairy tales, you may picture Hansel and Gretel dropping breadcrumbs along their unknown path to have the security of knowing the way home.

Your thoughts may turn to the scriptural reference in Matthew 15, where the Canaanite woman, full of faith, pleads for mercy from Jesus, reminding Him that “even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table” (15:27).

Perhaps pondering the topic of bread crumbs makes you recall God’s provision of manna to the wandering, forgetful, grumbling, hungry Israelites.  They asked for food—God provided bread each day, just enough to satisfy until the next.  It wasn’t merely provision, but a test of obedience given to remind them of the almighty God who rescued them out of slavery in Egypt.

Little bits. Collected. Undeserved. Provision. Faith. Satisfaction.

Each day, for one reason or another, we seek relief, sustenance, and provision.  As broken people, we look for life in the wrong places, grasping for financial security, quality friendships, moments of self-care, timely vacations, career advancement, a peaceful home, or so many other things that can be good in their own right—and even can be wonderful answers to prayer—but will never bring lasting satisfaction.

What we truly need are the life-giving words of Jesus, our daily manna, found in Scripture.  The Holy Spirit illumines our minds and hearts to know and apply His Word as we read, meditate and study.  Has a friend ever made your day by sharing a timely verse?  Has a beautiful sight in nature enhanced your awe of God?  Maybe a sermon or devotional was just what you needed to take a step of faith.  Like little gems that shine against the darkness of this life, God showers us with mercy, provision, and grace by impressing His truth on our hearts at just the right moments.  As His truth keeps us on the straight and narrow path, shapes our minds, helps us endure trials, and fills us with the joy of knowing God, we realize that these “bread crumbs” are actually the very most important provisions for our souls

Just as God did for the Israelites, sometimes His manna is often given step by step, moment by moment, day by day.  It keeps us dependent, reminding us that HE is Lord.  He is our Savior.  He is Sovereign, and He is kind.   

May this blog be one more bread crumb that God uses to bless your life. 

Psalm 145:15-16: “The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.  You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.”

John 1:16: “For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.”

Ephesians 1:3: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places…”