Reading about the Israelites in the wilderness reminds me of how we are with God sometimes. They are rescued from slavery, the sea is parted for them to walk through, and yet they keep asking Moses if they were just led out to the wilderness to die! They do a lot of complaining...we're hungry, we're thirsty...as if God is just going to let them die after all that God has already done to get them to that point. It seems like it is so easy to sing God's praise and believe in God's power in the midst of or right after the miracle... but a few days go by and it's back to self-reliance and doubt. The same thing happened with the manna - God provided just enough for everyone - and yet some felt compelled to try to gather extra (just in case God didn't come through or missed a day?), some tried to save a bit just in case (again...in case God didn't come through one day?). But don't we do the same thing? We try to be in charge, try to hold onto stuff just in case we might need it, try to protect ourselves in case God doesn't come through.

This reminds me that we are God's - God provides for us just what we need each day. Now, that may not include everything we want...but it will be everything we need. I think any extra we have is meant to be shared. There are places where people are hungry, and yet God provides enough for everyone to have food...it's just that it's up to those of us who have more than we need to share with those who have none...that's how God works through us to provide for everyone. We have to stop and ask ourselve - Are we doing our part?