Deuteronomy 8:3-4 (NIV), Moses speaking to the Israelites during the last month of the final year of Israel’s wandering in the wilderness:
“He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years.”
Comment:
God tested Israel in the wilderness to prove how faithless and proud their own hearts truly were.
People often think that we are independent creatures. We think that we can take care of ourselves and be in control of our world. This is usually why Christians are taken through “wilderness” experiences.
When the Lord sets his love upon you, He shows you truth. The truth is that we are all dependent on God—for air, water, food and ability; for every heartbeat and reflex; for His mercy and grace, righteousness and holiness; for life on earth and for life eternal.
God alone is ascient (self-sustaining).
How did Moses survive forty days of fasting without water (Exodus 34:28)? God sustained him.
How could the nation of Israel wander for 40 years in the desert? The Word of God brought water from the rock, manna from the sky, and kept their clothing from wearing out.
When we realize this fact of total dependence on God, we are humbled. It is not even up to us to decide whether we shall depend on God or not. Like it or not, we already do.
The question now is, shall we accept the truth or not? Interestingly, even the ability to accept God's truths can only come from God Himself. (Matt.11:25-27; 16:17; John 14:26; 16:12-15; 1Cor. 2:10-16)
The effect of this humbling truth, that we are totally dependent on God, should change the way we speak and act if we are to accomplish anything of lasting value.
Reflect: The trials of life are to humble us and to show us of our need for God always.
Prayer:
Almighty God, thank you for continuing to make us realize how truly dependent we are on You, for everything.
Thank you for the desire to glorify You... Even as we are humbled because we know that all our best and finest words and superlatives, deeds and imaginings fall well short before you, O Lord.
Make us realize that You and You alone can truly do justice to Your blessed name--for You and You alone know the full extent of Your power and love, holiness and might.
So please glorify yourself... reflect your glory through us, in all that you would have us do.
In Christ Jesus’ name we humbly pray. Amen.
