"No 'MANNA' What!"

Quick poll question: Do you know that one person who ALWAYS complains about every, little thing? (Of course it could NEVER be you or me, but “maybe” someone ELSE you know.) I’m talking about if it’s storming, they want it to be sunny…but when the sun is shining they say “well, I didn’t want the sun to be shining THIS much.” Usually when “those people” complain there’s usually one of two options: change the situation or change their outlook on it. LUCKILY, we’re NEVER “those people” because we’re ALWAYS grateful and NEVER complain … 

“The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, “If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!” – Num 11:4-6

In the above passage, as Moses was leading the people of Israel through the wilderness they began to complain that all they had to eat was “manna” and how when they were in Egypt (yes, the same Egypt they were enslaved & in bondage in) they had different foods to eat. {SN: Don’t let the temporary false satisfactions of bondage deceive you!} The passage doesn’t say they didn’t have anything to eat but that it wasn’t what they wanted to eat.

Moses, intimidated by the assembly, goes to God with the people’s complaint and God grants their request for meat in Numbers 11:10-15. In verses 16-17 of that chapter, God tells Moses that anointed elders will help him deal with the people of Israel and their burdens…yet, Moses was still worried about HOW God was going to provide meat like He said (v.21-22).  “The LORD answered Moses, “Is the LORD’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not what I say will come true for you.” – Num 11:23 {SN: When God speaks a Word about something, quit trying to figure out HOW He’s going to do it! When you do YOUR part, trust God to do HIS part!}

Let me briefly explain what “manna” is: “The manna was like coriander seed and looked like resin.”- Num 11:7. But manna is more than that; it is also the food of the angels. (below is a picture of coriander seeds, as we don't have manna today)

“Yet he gave a command to the skies above and opened the doors of the heavens; he rained down manna for the people to eat, he gave them the grain of heaven. Human beings ate the bread of angels; he sent them all the food they could eat.” – Ps 78:23-25 …Yes, the Lord our God fed His children with the food of angels .…Sadly, this wasn’t good enough for the children of Israel. 

Has God ever blessed you with something that you didn’t think was “good enough?” Maybe you were still grateful for the blessing but you kind of wanted to “upgrade” your blessing?

When we are truly grateful for everything God has blessed and entrusted us with, there is no room for complaining despite the circumstances. We must learn to trust God beyond what we see, what we currently possess and believe that God has given us EVERYTHING that we need for “right NOW!” In Matt 6:11 (part of The Lord’s Prayer), we are reminded that God will give us our DAILY bread and Ps 68:19 also reminds us that God DAILY loads us with benefits.

Let me point out a couple things real quick: In the opening scripture, the word “rabble” was in bold print. “Rabble” usually refers to “an unruly, lawless set ready to join a mob” (according to NetBible) … or “the lowest or coarsest class of people” (according to wordnik) … if you EVER start to complain, Get AWAY from people who feed into that or condone you doing it!!! If you find yourself feeling ungrateful, down, depressed, or whatever you NEED to be around people speaking the Word of God!

In Numbers 11:8, the Bible describes how the people of Israel would cook the manna and that it tasted like something made with olive oil. It was not made WITH olive oil, but it tasted LIKE it was. Throughout the Bible oil is utilized as a typography (or symbol) of the Presence of God and the Holy Spirit …so what am I saying? Even when you may not have what you ultimately want, look for God in what you ALREADY have!

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Phil 4:11-13

And while you’re contently waiting for the next thing God has in store for you, be encouraged in this "No manna appeared on the day they first ate from the crops of the land, and it was never seen again. So from that time on the Israelites ate from the crops of Canaan.” – Joshua 5:12 


… the MANNA they complained about kept them full and satisfied until the harvest came. Everything we have right now is enough to satisfy us now but that is NOT all that God has in store for us!

No “Manna” What you’re going through, experiencing, or have TRUST that God is ENOUGH for YOUR needs!


I love you guys!


Allison