Week 4, Day 5
Begin with a time of silence.
Scripture : Joshua 5:9-12 (emphasis mine)
'And the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” And so the name of that place is called Gilgal to this day. While the people of Israel were encamped at Gilgal, they kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month in the evening on the plains of Jericho. And the day after the Passover, on that very day, they ate of the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain. And the manna ceased the day after they ate of the produce of the land. And there was no longer manna for the people of Israel, but they ate of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year. '
Devotional : Beyond Good Enough
By Cari DenHerder
For years, the Israelites had survived on manna and quail while wandering in the desert. It was miraculous provision, but it was also just enough to sustain them through each day. When they were finally able to come home to settle in the promised land, they went from having just enough to survive to having abundance from the fruit of the land. God was with them always, but it was when they came home to walk out God’s plan for his people that they experienced the fullness he had for them.
Even though they were weary of it at times, I wonder if the Israelites felt challenged by the transition of manna coming down from heaven to the work of growing and harvesting. Sometimes we can get comfortable just surviving in certain areas of our lives and resist doing the work of growing with God that leads to the abundance that he has for us. We may not even realize when it’s just surviving until change of some kind forces us to something better. Rather than allowing circumstances to be the driving force, we can choose to invite God to work through us and in us in all areas of our lives. When we are willing to ask Him to show us his plans and his vision for our future, we open ourselves to moving beyond survival to living the fully fruitful life that God has for us.
Questions to Consider
Are there areas in my life where I am just surviving? What are areas that seem good enough that I could invite God into?
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you that you are my provider in so many ways and in all areas of my life. Give me eyes to see your vision and help me have the humility to invite you into all areas of my life. Your will be done that I and others may experience the abundance that comes from you. Amen.
End with a time of silence.
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