“…Give us this day our daily bread…” (Matthew chapter 6 verse 11)
A Costly Fast
A few years ago, I committed to being a part of a Daniel Fast as I sought to enrich my spiritual life. This required of me to consume strictly fruits, vegetables, water and a few other items that were all natural. The usual ‘easy going’ processed foods of all sorts were discouraged during this time. Unfortunately, this kind of fast is expensive. It requires purchasing fruits and vegetables which are most times quite costly to attain.
At that time in my life, I was having some financial challenges and so I couldn’t buy as much of the permissible items for the fast as I would have wanted. Nevertheless, I remained committed to devoting and sacrificing that time and food to the Lord because I was hungry for more of Him and desirous of giving Him more of me!
Mangos just for ME!
For the most part overtime, I was able to purchase and prepare my daily meals however, there were days when I had multiple challenges. Sometimes, I was either too tired from a long day to acquire fresh items from the market, too tired to cook or I simply didn’t have the money to buy the food at all. Remarkably, however, in Jamaica where I am from, it was the height of the mango season and I was fortunate enough to have a portion of a Julie mango tree hanging into my yard. What was most interesting is that every time I was literally low on food for whatever reason, I would watch how the Lord allowed a mango or two to fall from that tree and into my yard. I was confident that it was the Lord’s doing simply because where I lived, I had multiple neighbours and my yard was partially open for passers-by to have seen and taken the fruit for themselves if they wanted. Perhaps those other persons would have gotten for themselves, however, I tell you the truth, whenever I went outside hungry, there was always a portion of mango already waiting for me or just falling from that tree. Seriously!!! There was usually a mango (2 at most) every day that was freshly dropped, still intact, waiting JUST FOR ME!
Manna just for THEM!
This reminded me of the testimony of the Israelites when God also provided for them daily with food to eat. Exodus chapter 16 tells the story of a portion of their journey through the wilderness. Verses 1–18 particularly tells of how He rained manna (bread-like substance) to His children on their 40-year journey through the wilderness to fill them whenever they were hungry. Like the mangos, this manna also fell from heaven daily…JUST when they needed it.
Provisions just for YOU!
This leaves us with a profound message. The Lord knows our times and seasons and He is fully aware of the things we have need for. Even before we have asked, He knows and especially when we ask, He supplies. The Lord knew my financial circumstance and He honoured the sacrifice I was making for Him by amazing me with provisions of my daily ‘bread’. The Lord also knows YOUR needs and as you devote yourselves to Him - for His causes - there are no limits to how and when He will provide for you in the SPECIFIC areas you need (not merely want). He did it with manna, He did it with mango and He can do it with money, good sleep, abundant peace, incredible friends and support, customers to your business, great grades at school or whatever it is you are void of right now.
When we pray “…Give us this day, our daily bread…” it is best to believe that the Lord hears and is timely and consistent to supply such petitions. He told us not to worry about our tomorrow because tomorrow will provide for itself (Matthew chapter 6 verses 25-26). I therefore challenge YOU today to keep praying for His daily bread and ensure that you keep looking at His eternal hands that daily supply to you. Don’t forget to give Him thanks for those blessings… be it ‘great’ or ‘small’. God is always faithful.
Prayer Time:
Heavenly Provider,
We pause to be in awe of how Your hands have been keeping and supplying care unto us. Thanks Father that You are true to Your words that Your riches in heaven will supply all the needs we have on earth. Thanks Daddy that it is not just manna that You are able to provide multiple thousands of years ago, but in every season of our ‘todays’, you are still able to grant whatever our needs are according to Your will. Help us to see Your continued provisions through Jesus’ name we pray, AMEN.
Melicha J. Smith originates and resides in Jamaica, West Indies. She has been involved in youth ministries for over 13 years and has served in the capacities of teacher, mentor, intercessor and missionary. Professionally she functions as a Registered Pharmacist.
Melicha enjoys and invests most of her time in writing, reading and listening to music. She loves a good game of football even though she understands VERY LITTLE about the game.
Melicha Smith is an author, speaker and founder of Reflective Hands Ministry.
Follow her on Instagram: @reflectivehandsja