The God Who Provides Manna In The Desert Series

THE GOD WHO PROVIDES MANNA IN THE DESERT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Exodus 16:1-36

Supporting Texts: Deuteronomy 8:2-3, Psalm 78:24-25, John 6:31-35, Philippians 4:19, Matthew 6:31-33

INTRODUCTION:

The journey of the Israelites through the wilderness was a season marked by divine interventions, and one of the most iconic acts of God’s provision was the giving of manna. This heavenly bread appeared every morning to feed a nation that had no farmland, supermarkets, or means of supply in the desert. It was a supernatural solution to a natural crisis, teaching the people to depend solely on God for their sustenance.

God did not just provide food; He taught the Israelites spiritual lessons about trust, obedience, and contentment. The desert season was one of testing and proving, yet it was also a time of intimate care from God. Manna was more than a meal—it was a message that God is aware of our needs and able to meet them in the most unlikely situations.

This study explores the nature of God as our Provider, especially in dry and barren times of life. We will see how He faithfully provided for Israel and how He still meets the needs of His people today. In a world of uncertainty, let us be reminded that the God who gave manna in the wilderness has not changed.

1. GOD PROVIDES IN SEASONS OF LACK

God is never limited by our environment or circumstances; He provides even in seasons of dryness and scarcity.

a) God is not hindered by physical barrenness

God gave manna in a desert where nothing grew—He does not need favourable conditions to provide (Exodus 16:4).

b) God is aware of every legitimate need

The Israelites were hungry, and God responded with food from heaven (Exodus 16:12).

c) God responds to cries for help

Even when the people murmured, God still showed mercy and supplied their need (Psalm 106:7-8).

d) God’s provision is often daily and sufficient

He gave just enough for each day, teaching total dependence (Exodus 16:16-18).

BIBLICAL EXAMPLE:

When Hagar and Ishmael wandered in the desert and ran out of water, God opened Hagar’s eyes to a well (Genesis 21:14-19). Just as with manna, God revealed provision in a place of lack.

2. GOD’S PROVISION TEACHES DEPENDENCE

The giving of manna was not just about feeding; it was about training hearts to trust and obey.

a) Daily provision builds daily trust

God provided manna every day to build consistent reliance on Him (Matthew 6:11).

b) God tests obedience through provision

He instructed them not to store more than necessary—testing if they would obey (Exodus 16:19-20).

c) Provision was tied to the Sabbath principle

On the sixth day, a double portion came so they could rest on the seventh, emphasising both trust and obedience (Exodus 16:22-26).

d) Self-sufficiency is broken through divine supply

Manna removed the illusion that they could meet their needs without God (Deuteronomy 8:3).

BIBLICAL EXAMPLE:

Elijah was fed by ravens and later by a widow during a famine (1 Kings 17:4-16). Each day’s supply reminded him and others of God’s sufficiency.

3. GOD’S PROVISION REVEALS HIS CHARACTER

Through manna, God revealed Himself as faithful, caring, and attentive to His people’s needs.

a) He is Jehovah Jireh—the Lord who provides

God’s name and nature are wrapped in His ability to supply (Genesis 22:14).

b) He is compassionate and merciful

Even though the people grumbled, He gave them food without fail (Psalm 78:23-25).

c) He is consistent and reliable

For forty years, manna came daily, showing His unwavering faithfulness (Nehemiah 9:20-21).

d) He is a Father who knows how to care for His children

Jesus reminded His disciples that God provides even more than earthly fathers (Matthew 7:11).

BIBLICAL EXAMPLE:

In the New Testament, Jesus multiplied five loaves and two fish to feed thousands (John 6:10-13). This revealed His divine nature as the Provider, just like in the days of manna.

4. GOD’S PROVISION POINTS TO JESUS CHRIST

Manna was not just physical food; it was a symbol of the true Bread from heaven—Jesus Christ.

a) Jesus is the true Bread of Life

He declared that He is the fulfilment of the manna miracle (John 6:31-35).

b) Manna satisfied physical hunger; Jesus satisfies spiritual hunger

Christ feeds the soul, not just the stomach (John 4:13-14).

c) The manna rotted, but Christ’s life is eternal

Unlike temporary food, what Jesus gives leads to everlasting life (John 6:58).

d) Faith in Jesus is the key to lasting provision

Those who come to Him will never hunger or thirst again (John 6:35).

BIBLICAL EXAMPLE:

The Israelites ate manna and died, but those who believe in Christ have eternal life (John 6:49-50). The miracle of manna was always meant to point us to the greater miracle of Christ.

CONCLUSION:

The miracle of manna in the desert is more than a historical account; it is a profound testimony of God's unchanging faithfulness to His people. In seasons of dryness, confusion, or lack, God proves Himself as the source of all provision. He meets us in our wilderness and reveals His power to supply what we need, when we need it, and how we need it.