The Dynamics of God’s Work

Exodus 16:35 tells us this: And the children of Israel did eat manna forty years, until they came to a land inhabited; they did eat manna, until they came unto the borders of the land of Canaan.

God supplied the children of Israel with manna for forty years until they came to a land inhabited; by the borders of Canaan. He was willing (besides being able) to supply angels’ food to the thousands of Israelites as long as they were in the wilderness heading to the Promised Land. They never lacked anything because God either made what they had to stay good (Deuteronomy 8:4) or he rained down bread from heaven.

But immediately they came to the border of Canaan, just into the land that would become their habitation, the precious manna ceased from raining. Israel had to learn to till the land and cultivate whatever they needed for their health and nourishment. Of course, God still fertilised their efforts, but he wasn’t going to spoon-feed these grown adults any longer.

God will supply your needs at all times during your pilgrimage here on earth. However, you do not predetermine the dynamics of that supply. God supplies when you cannot work or farm, but once a piece of land is available, he gives you strength to cultivate it and blesses your handiwork. He doesn’t want you to worry when there is no garden to dress, but he doesn’t want you to be lazy when there is a piece of land to cultivate.

Many times we expect God to do everything for us, while God is telling us that He has enabled us to do them ourselves. That is how a true father raises his children.

In Psalms 144, David praised God as One who teaches his hands to war and his fingers to fight. This is the same God that told the Israelites (2 Chronicles 20:17-21) that they didn’t need to fight in the battle with the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir. He asked them to sing and hold their peace while he fought for them. And that is what happened. God sent an angel who confused the enemies’ camp that they slaughtered themselves.

So, sometimes God breaks into the enemies’ garrison and causes them to flee, leaving behind so much spoil for His people (2 Kings 7). But at other times, He makes your feet like hinds’ feet so you can gracefully pursue with speed and recover what your enemies have taken. (Psalm 18:33; 1 Samuel 30:8).

The method God employs depends on what he wants to accomplish through that event, the time and season of its occurrence and the lessons he wants you to learn. But, in any given situation, ask God to show you the instruments for offence and defence, for planting and harvesting, for advancement and retreat, for promotion and preservation. If he says, “Offer him there for a burnt offering,” then move to the land of Moriah with Isaac. But if he shows you a lamb for the sacrifice, then leave Isaac alone and use the lamb caught in a thicket. After all, His ways are past finding out.

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