Our Provision in the Loss of Our Vision

The pandemic dangerously sweeping through our world has disrupted our sense security. Many fear for their physical health or the health of a loved one. Some are burdened with uncertainty surrounding their jobs or finances. Others are feeling disappointed about canceled plans and still others are just trying to juggle all the needs and responsibilities of their families. It wasn’t supposed to be this way.

I am reminded of how the Israelites felt in the days that followed their rescue from Egypt. The desert wilderness was a stark contrast to the picture of freedom they had dreamed about. I can imagine that they envisioned freedom to look like safety, where their every desire was fulfilled. If they shared my heart in this season, I’m guessing they were hoping that freedom would come with financial security, opportunities, the comfort of routine, and the realization of their dreams on their terms.

But in the unknown, they demanded answers—and God responded to their attempts to ground themselves by giving His people the opportunity to trust Him instead. He not only met their physical needs with the provision of manna and quail, but He also showed them who He was. In His provision, God’s question was simple: Do you trust Me to give you exactly what you need?

The word manna literally means “what is it?”— a description of the Israelites’ response to what God had given them. Convinced of their own vision and plans, God’s people had trouble recognizing His provision. It was difficult to have faith that God’s provision was not only enough but exactly what they needed. They didn’t recognize the miracle.

I visited a friend on her birthday a few weeks ago. We stood six feet apart in her front yard and talked about the current reality. She is one of the bravest most faithful women I know. She ended the conversation by saying, “You know, all this chaos and disruption? What if this is saving us? What if this is holding up the mirror to where our false securities are and helping us to redirect our hope in God?” She recognized the provision in her loss of vision. Manna.

Now, we find ourselves disoriented in the days following Easter. How confused the disciples must have been in the days that followed Jesus’ death. The cross must have looked nothing like the victorious ending that they had in mind. Their hope had led them to loss. The future they dreamed about was not their reality. And when two of them found themselves walking along the Emmaus Road, debriefing the horrifying events of the past couple of days, Jesus—their resurrected Lord—joined them on the path and in their conversation. Hope was walking with them, but the disciples couldn’t recognize Him because the appearance of their Lord did not match their expectations.

This season looks nothing like any of us planned. This isn’t the road any of us would choose to walk. But in the chaos of the unknown and the unmet expectations, will we be so committed to our own vision that we miss the miracle of our Hope walking with us?

Sometimes when we are waiting for what we want, we find what we need: companionship with Christ.

* This post was adapted from excerpts of From Lost to Found.