No More Manna

"the manna stopped the day after they ate this fruit from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate of the produce of Canaan."
Joshua 5:12

There come times in each life when things change. The life you have been used to living enters a new phase, a new season. Sometimes these seasons are difficult, and sometimes they are wonderful new experiences. The Israelites experienced one of these changes of season. After wandering in the desert for forty years, they finally crossed the Jordan river and entered into the promised land of Canaan. Of course, the struggles were far from over, for the land was filled with foreign, warring nations. All of them wanted their piece of the land, and the last thing they wanted was another nation coming to take it from them. But God had promised the nation of Israel that they would possess this land for their own. So the day they crossed the Jordan river was an amazing fulfillment of a promise.
    For forty years, they depended on God for daily manna. This was the bread that fell from the sky each morning. They could gather enough for their families for that day, but no more. If they tried to harvest extra manna, it would spoil. They lived one day after another, wandering in the desert, following the cloud by day and the fire of God by night. They depended on him to deliver manna for their survival.
    But suddenly, everything changed. The promise was fulfilled, they entered the land, and the manna stopped. Now there was fruit and grain in abundance. There were grapes so large that they had to be carried on poles between two men. This was new, this was abundance, this was the promise of God.
    Our lives are like this. We go through seasons when we are completely dependent on God's provision everyday. It seems like there is never an abundance, but somehow, there is enough. This may be financial, or emotional, or spiritual, or relational provision. But there is going to be a time when we cross a threshold and enter into the promises that God has planned for us. Like the Israelites, we will pass from the days of manna to the days of abundance. You see, God wants to bless us. He wants us to be fulfilled. He wants to pour so much blessing into our lives that it has to overflow to others. This is God's plan.
    When the day of passing occurs, your life may never be the same. So if you are living in the desert right now, depending on manna from heaven just to get you through another day, be encouraged. The day of passing into the promised land is coming. If you have crossed over into a new promise, be thankful; for the days of the desert life are just behind you, and God deserves praise for delivering you. Eat of the produce of the land. Take hold of what God has given you. But remember, there is still work to be done. There are new things that God is leading you into. You may have to face a few more giants, a few more barriers. But celebrate the season. For now, the days of manna have passed.