Back in 2019, I listened to an online sermon which was deeply impactful for me. The title of the sermon was: “He took manna off the menu.”
The main scripture passage for the sermon was:
Joshua 5:10-12 – “On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, the Israelites celebrated the Passover. The day after the Passover, that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land: unleavened bread and roasted grain. The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate of the produce of Canaan.”
The main point of the sermon was that God will always provide for us … but God’s provision will look different in different seasons.
God provided manna for the Israelites during their season of 40 years in the desert wilderness.
But now the Israelites had crossed over the Jordan River … they had entered the Promised Land. It was a new season. And as such, God’s provision changed.
Instead of manna … for the people to simply pick up and eat … God’s provision now looked like a seed … for the people to plant.
God will always provide for us. It just might not look like what we are expecting.
Psalm 1 describes the blessed person as being like a green tree … fruitful … in every season.
Our background photo for today shows a desert place … and yet, even in this desert place, a green tree grows. Even in this desert place, God has provided so that this green tree can grow and be fruitful.
No matter the season of our life … God will always provide for us.
Just like God faithfully provided for His people by giving them manna and seeds (according to season) … so also God will be faithful to bring forth fruit in our life … no matter the season.
How? How exactly does God do this??
By the power of the Holy Spirit … and by the Word of God (which the Holy Spirit wrote).
In one particular season, the primary fruit which the Holy Spirit brings forth in our life might be forgiveness. Because this particular season needs this!
In yet a different season, the primary fruit which the Holy Spirit provides … is peace. Because this particular season needs this!
Depending on the season, the provision of the Holy Spirit changes.
Self-control … to stand up to fear! … the Holy Spirit provides.
A sound mind … when all around is in turmoil and panic! … the Holy Spirit provides.
Courage … the Holy Spirit provides.
Wisdom … the Holy Spirit provides.
Grace … when we’re “canceled” and treated unjustly … the Holy Spirit provides.
God knows exactly what you need … for every season of your life.
And God will always provide for you!
So that you too can be a blessed person … who is fruitful … in every season!
