When God Shows Up: Real Stories of FaithНамуна

Dara*

“...The Lord said to Moses, 'I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, "At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God."'" Exodus 16:11-12, NLT

After months in the desert, the Israelites began to compare their lives in Egypt to their lives in the desert and “grumbled” to God (through Moses). Their daily needs weren’t as readily met as they had been before, even in slavery. This time of distress created the avenue for the people to see God miraculously provide, morning and night, day after day.

For Dara, family had always been a void in her life. She was raised by her parents, but describes them as “present, but not really there.” Hurtful comments they made about her and to her defined her relationship with them and sent her “looking for love.” Her abusive relationships and addictions put Dara and her two children in danger. Eventually, they were homeless.

Dara was connected with a small group of women who invested in her and her children through regular dinners and conversations about her future. Dara describes the first moment she and her children experienced life in the family of God.

They were invited to the home of one of her small group volunteers for a family dinner. “We all sat around the table,” Dara tears up as she remembers. “I had only ever seen that in movies. It had never happened for me before. I just felt loved and like I actually had a family.”

This meal, while simple and ordinary, was a miracle for Dara. It was a provision of God for a young mother who was navigating towards a better life for herself and her children.

When we look to God, even with grumbling, he will provide. As New Testament Christians, we have the perspective of the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Christ. God has always gone to great lengths to give his people food, both ordinary and spiritual. He will do the same for you.

Using Exodus 16:11-12, meditate on the complete, good, and miraculous provision of God. Know that when we remember and testify to God’s gifts in our past, we honor Him today.

*Name changed to protect privacy