When Manna Ceases

Posted on by Chris G Thelen

Years ago I lost my job after the firm I was working for lost a major client. Some people I knew at a major corporation heard about it and offered me a contract job. A few days later I was working on a project as a temporary worker doing similar work. The income was just what my wife and I needed to pay our bills.

This made me think about how God provided the Israelites manna as they journeyed in the wilderness. Exodus 16 details how God provided for them in their time of need. Verse 18 tells us, “When they measured it with an omer, he who had gathered much had no excess, and he who had gathered little had no lack; every man gathered as much as he should eat.” God gave them exactly what they needed, no more and no less.

There are times in life where God changes how he provides for our need. Sometimes he ceases providing in one way as he opens the door to a new way of provision. In Joshua 5:12, after the Israelites cross the Jordan River into the land God promised them, “The manna ceased on the day after they had eaten some of the produce of the land, so that the sons of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate some of the yield of the land of Canaan during that year.”

As I worked my temporary job, I was told that the company was looking to cut back on contractors. I became concerned I wouldn’t have enough income to support my family. At that point I received an interview with another company and within a few weeks I had a full-time job. The temporary work ceased and I started a new job which turned into a long career at the company. The manna and quail disappeared as I ate from God’s provision in a new land.

© 2021 CGThelen

22 thoughts on “When Manna Ceases”

  1. This is an uplifting story which has reminded me of the last three offers of employment I have received. Thank you for sharing this story!

    At the end of a university year when I required employment to pay my way over summer, funds were low, and I was going to run out of money to pay rent pretty quickly. At our bible study group, of only three of us that evening, one of the prayers over me was for an offer of employment and soon. That very week I had an interview, it went well, and I was offered the job almost on the spot.

    A short while ago I decided I wanted to move into a working environment that helped people manage their mental wellbeing. I applied for quite a few jobs while I was unemployed, this time by choice and in a good financial situation, but nothing was coming through. Then what seemed like the perfect job came up working in an organisation offering support for young people who were experiencing mental distress. I applied, got the job, worked at it for seven months, but realised I was not the fit for this position so talked about it with them, and left, on good terms. Then came applying for jobs again. I applied for quite a few more, and received one job offer after quite a while. Two days after I started work, the covid pandemic hit New Zealand and we were working from home. Praise the Lord for a job, and one that I could do from the home while we were in lockdown!

    1. God is good. Thank you for sharing your story of God’s provision. These are moments that we can look back on to remind ourselves of God’s faithfulness. Blessings.

  2. Amen! Your witness of faith in the hope coming from God’s love is a blessing to share with others. I had a similar experience years ago when my teaching position was cut, and I was blessed with finding another position just before the start of the school year.

    1. Praise God for His never ending care for us. His wisdom and timing are incredible. Thanks for sharing your experience. Blessings.

  5. Your post is a reminded it is God who gives exactly what we need for that exact time. When our expectations are centered in our desires then we miss what God has given or is giving for such a time as this.

  6. I love this! As in your life, so as in mine: God has always provided. Sometimes in unconventional ways, sometimes in “regular” ways, but He has always held me tightly in His grip.
    Thanks for a reminder testimony.

  7. Through many trials and disruptions I have found it to be true that God always provides exactly what’s needed at precisely the right time. My book, Aimless Life, Awesome God, describes God’s sovereign provision throughout my life.

  9. Pingback: When Manna Ceases – Tonya LaLonde

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