CAN GOD FURNISH A TABLE in the wilderness? How many people are still asking that question? In times of leanness and affliction, what do you do? Because the wilderness generation didn’t trust God to provide, even in the desert, “Yes, they spoke against God: They said, “Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?” Psalms 78:19
The sense of the question is, can the Lord do this for us? give us a plentiful table in the wilderness, as well as drop the manna about our tents? If He can, why does not He? If He does not, it must be either for want in himself, or want of good will to us; and thus tried and tempted the Lord. They were excited beyond measure to leave Egypt and spoil the Egyptians on their way out, but when it came down to provision, they were sunk. At the first sign of affliction, they complained. This is the heart of disbelief.
Oh sure, when times are prosperous and flourishing and your cabinets are overflowing, you praise Him and run around saying, “God is good!” But when leanness is sent into your souls and everything is removed from your life and affliction strikes, what then? Do you run and hide and cry out, “Woe is me!” grumbling and complaining like a spoiled and undisciplined child? Or do you fall down on your knees and in faith cry out, “God is my Provider and the strength of my life! I will not fear.” These are two vastly different mindsets and attitudes.
The heart of disbelief questions God’s ability and power in any given situation. How does running and hiding show a powerful and almighty God? How does complaining and cowardice reveal that you serve a God who can do all things? These people operate in disbelief and take matters into their own hands because they do not fully trust God. This is a divided heart- one that trusts God sometimes, but not all the time. They have trust in other places to take care of them, places like the government, healthcare, and other people or institutions.
My friend, these things should not be. God never said to trust Him, except in these cases…. you will not find this kind of language in Scripture. What you will find is a God who has done everything for us, and throughout Scripture has made Himself known by “El Shaddai”, the God who is more than enough. How many places and times has He declared that He is our Provider, our great Defender, our strong Tower, our Banner, our Shield, a mighty Fortress? We should learn from the spiritual failures of those who went before us, “That they might set their hope in God…. and might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that did not set their heart aright, and whose spirit was not steadfast with God” v 7-8
Have you lost the power and presence of God through disbelief and disobedience to the Word of God? By failing to make Biblical standards and thirsting for the Almighty, (who He is, not what He can do for you) the basis for truth and practice; you will go astray and turn to your own ways. If you are your own provider, then by all means have your way and do what you want to do. Run and hide, seek help from outside sources. You might be okay for a season, but a season is coming that will snare your soul. The Bible declares, “Safety is of the Lord”. However, if God is your Provider, then all hope in this world to provide and take care of you is forfeit. Repent of your disbelief. Set your heart aright. Do not be like that stubborn and rebellious generation. #runyourrace
To Learn More About Pastor Crystal please visit the Leadership Page
