Discerning a Blessing
And when the layer of dew lifted, there, on the surface of the wilderness, was a small round substance, as fine as the frost on the ground. So when the children of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, “This is the bread which the LORD has given you to eat.”- Exodus 16:14-15 NKJV
Ah, they did not know that the small round substance on the ground was to be their food for the next 40 years! God had heard the Israelites complaints for food in the wilderness, and once again provided for His people, this time in the form of bread from heaven. However, they did not recognize their blessing for what it was. Moses had to explain it to them.
Once again there are several principles packed into this passage. Let’s examine them, shall we?
- Blessings can be tests. God will use blessings to test our hearts in order to determine our level of obedience to him.
- Blessings can be disguised. Gifts from God aren’t always immediately recognized as the blessings that they are. Manna means “What?” The people didn’t know what to make of this new foreign substance at first glance. Once it was explained to them by an objective source, Moses, who wasn’t complaining to God, they understood what they had.
- Blessings can be squandered. We need to use the blessings God gives us as he intends them to be used. Notice the specific instructions given to the Israelites in Exodus 16 for handling their blessing. (v20-21) Following God’s instructions will keep our blessings alive.
Is there a blessing hanging around in your life that you have failed to recognize? Are you using the ones you’ve received and recognized for God’s glory? We are blessed to be a blessing to others. What will you do with yours?
Blessings can be disguised.
You are so right Janna, blessings can be disguised sometimes. Hopefully we will begin to recognize them quickly and use them for God’s glory.
Amen
This happened to us a few years ago, too long to explain now, but it surely was a test of obedience and came as a disguise. I’ll never forget it! This was right on!!
Oh Jana,
This really was written for me. I was especially struck by blessings can be a test.
Lately I have been reading about all of the Kings in the Old Testament. Wow, seems like one after another was blessed then became prideful.
Thankyou for helping me look at my life and to be reminded to remain humble. Love you girl.
Speaking of the manna God provided, I’m reminded of one of the requirements was that it was to be eaten as needed every day. They were not to store any for the next day, as it would not be good for the next day. God intended to supply a fresh supply every day.
In the same way, we are to pray and read His Word every day. It is to be fresh every day and not intended to be our supply for the whole week. “It is new every morning.” He wants to hear from us every day; He loves us and enjoys communing with us not just occasionally, but on a daily basis.