Limitations - Part Six

Thursday, July 14, 2011 Posted by Angie

"It Never Runs Out"

When I was a little girl we attended a church that used to have these wonderful "covered dish suppers". I remember standing in line looking at four or five tables full of fried chicken, and every kind of casserole, pie and cake you could imagine! I would spot my favorite dish and keep an eye on it all throughout the line, hoping it wouldn't run out before I got a taste. I believe not having enough is a natural human fear. People are afraid of running out of the things they want and need - food, water, clothing, money, power, and even love have all been sought after over the years. Once obtained, the desire to hoard these things so they won't ever face a shortage again, is a real issue.

God provided for the Israelites by raining down manna from Heaven. He instructed them to get only what they needed for that day. But some tried to get extra to store up, as if God wasn't going to keep their supply coming. The leftover manna was spoiled (Exodus 16:17-20) While it's "normal" to fear these things when times are tough, that doesn't mean it's acceptable. God tells us in Matt. 6:25 not to worry about what we'll eat, or wear because God knows what we need.

What people are really looking for is security. So the key to conquering these fears is to see God as our unlimited source for all that we need. We must change our perspective...God already owns everything! (Psalm 24:1, Psalm 50:10) and no matter how much He gives out, it won't deplete His supply. Not only that, all throughout the Bible, God shows how when we trust Him, He not only meets our needs, but He is the God of "more than enough!" Let's look at this example from His Word:

In Matt. 14 it tells the story of Jesus multiplying the loaves and fish and feeding the multitudes. Look in vs.14:20 "They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over."

Jesus could have made sure that everyone ate and was satisfied, but He allowed for them to have leftovers. What's the difference between this time, and the manna God provided and told them NOT to gather leftovers? The difference is when it's us trying to store up for ourselves out of a fear of running out, and when God gives us more than enough to show us His love and power.

God alone is our security because He is limitless in His supply to meet our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs (and sometimes even our desires - Psalm 37:4)