Deuteronomy 8:3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.
God is Greater Than the Gifts He Gives
What is the worst thing that could happen to you today? Some of us could think of some absolutely horrendous scenarios. Others of us think that the worst thing that could happen is to have a bad hair day, be late for work, or forget our homework. It’s amazing how twisted up in a knot we can be about things that are not really that big. Yet, sometimes, the worst thing that can happen is precisely when everything is going well. That was the danger to God’s people as they came into Canaan.
The children of Israel were about to have plenty, houses they had not built, farms they had not planted, and security they did not deserve. Verses 10-11 say, “When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee. Beware that thou forget not.” When they had good food and a good home, they were not to forget Who gave it to them.
You can live through any lack save a lack of God. We don’t need merely what God gives; we need God Himself. Sometimes we are perfectly content to lack the greatest need in our life, God Himself, if lesser needs are met. If we are healthy and wealthy, then we are satisfied to move on without God.
God was warning Israel that their greatest danger would be in the midst of their greatest prosperity. That is why as Moses said in Deuteronomy 8:3, “And he humbled thee, and he suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna…that he might make thee know that man doeth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.” God allowed these people to suffer need so that they would not be bankrupt of that which they needed the most, God Himself. God cares so much about us that He does not merely provide for our needs, but provides the needs in order that we would seek Him.
Years ago, a young preacher complained to my grandfather that no one would have him preach. My grandfather replied, “Well, you can preach in the parks, the streets, and give the gospel wherever you are. That’s the place to start.” My grandfather anticipated the next question, “Well, how am I going to keep from starving to death?” That is a good question that most of us would answer by saying, “If you follow God’s calling, God will provide for your needs.” That’s true enough, but my grandfather gave a shocking answer that I think is far better. He said, “Maybe you will starve to death, but that’s not the worst thing that could happen to you. The worst thing that could happen to you is to refuse to do what God has called you to do.”
My friend, God will provide for you, but the worst thing that could happen to you is not to lack some provision, but to be blind to your need for God Himself.