When manna doesn't feel like enough:
We have to learn and choose to be content with how God determines is best to satisfy us. It's not natural, and contentment is not a feeling. It's a decision we make out of love for God and a state of being full of Him.
Periods of discontentment are normal, regular opportunities to grow in our attachment to and abiding in God. We won't always feel inspired or thrilled about the circumstances God puts us in or the assignments He gives to us. But the manna we most want to refuse, is often the very thing God is using to grow and develop us. It is the instrument He has chosen to sanctify us.
Sanctification: process of being freed from sin, process of being made holy, becoming like Christ.
Sometimes we think we get saved and are now instantly free. Yes- eternal salvation is already accomplished, but the process of being shaped into Christ’s image in preparation for that eternity is now beginning. It requires regular, constant work on God’s part using scalpels- shaping instruments of disappointment, discontentment, frustration and wrestling with what we don’t like and don’t understand.
But this is how we are transformed, so it should not surprise us that we regularly encounter situations where our flesh wants something it cannot have, or demands to be served but must be denied and brought under the authority of Christ because we cannot serve two masters. We cannot serve both self and God. There is a transfer of power taking place, where sin no longer has dominion/authority over us, Jesus now does. And our flesh doesn't give up easily.
Be encouraged- unsatisfied cravings of the flesh are evidence that you are now serving Christ! So let self rage, let it wrestle, let it whine. It is taking it’s correct place of submission to someone else. This is not a quick or easy transition of power. It requires taking up our cross daily, with new life and resurrection in mind.
“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
Content- sufficient in oneself, not needing outside support.
Paul’s strength from God internally meant that he did not need additional support from outside additions (relationships, position, status, entertainment, wealth, substances, etc) to feel full, whole, and satisfied.
Depending on the situation and the specific hunger/wound/need/circumstance, we may DESPERATELY, overwhelmingly crave, desire, long for and want that thing! But we often find ourselves without it. If having it would make us more resemble and glorify Christ, He would ensure we had it. If NOT possessing that thing better accomplishes our freedom and transformation, then He will ensure we are NOT given access to that thing that would prevent us from growing into His image. That's not because He is withholding or cruel, but because He is generous and kind and gives the greater thing.
As with all spiritual growth, we can only grow into His image in the strength He supplies. We can do without the things our flesh desires only because He makes us able to endure it.
Reflection:
1. What do you lack today/in this season that you desperately want to have?
2. Sometimes we grow more into Christ in the presence of something, sometimes more growth is possible in the absence of something. How is the absence of that thing you desire making you more dependent on Christ?
3. Israel needed to do without the lesser thing in order to take hold of the greater thing. What greater thing do you think God may be trying to give you instead of what you crave?
4. Do you believe He is still good even when He behaves in a way you do not like or understand?
5. Do you see evidence in your life of a transition of power, from self/sin to Christ? Can you identify periods of craving/hunger that led to that?
The fight is bringing about new freedom. Don’t give up. It is evidence that you are growing into His image.