Faithful Provider

By Gabriella Silva

"The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Sukkoth. There were about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children. Many other people went up with them, and also large droves of livestock, both flocks and herds. With the dough the Israelites had brought from Egypt, they baked loaves of unleavened bread. The dough was without yeast because they had been driven out of Egypt and did not have time to prepare food for themselves.”—Exodus 12:37–39 (NIV)

Today’s passage reminds us of God’s faithfulness over time. From Israel’s growth into a nation, to their provision of food during their exit, God was their faithful provider.

To the Israelites, it may have seemed as though God had forgotten them, for they spent years, generation after generation, suffering as slaves in the hands of the Egyptians. But God, through His careful and sovereign rule, was not absent nor unaware of their troubles in captivity. He was using this time for His plans and, at the right time, He came to rescue them.

This story clearly reflects God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises to His people. Neither time nor trouble can alter God’s plans, for He works all things together for His glory (Romans 8:28). This was true for the Israelites, and it’s also true for us. God’s promises are not based on anything we can produce, but based on His character alone. Our timeline, circumstances, expectations, and doubts cannot speed up or slow down what God has planned. This means we can trust Him with the things He said He will do. We can also rest in His provision and care.

We’re told that “they had been driven out of Egypt and did not have time to prepare food for themselves.” This detail woven in this narrative is a powerful reminder that the Israelites were completely dependent on God for their deliverance and sustenance, and so are we. God showed Himself mighty to deliver and provide for them in this moment and continually after their exodus—and if He did it for His people then, He can certainly do it for His people today.

Friend, do you feel God has forgotten you? Are you struggling to see His hand at work in your life? Perhaps you’ve grown weary of waiting for His promises to come to pass. Don’t lose heart. Our God is sovereign, which means His ways are not our ways, nor are His thoughts our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8). And because of His love and mercy, you can trust He’s at work in your life. No amount of worrying or fretting will bring you the outcomes you desire, but your surrender and dependence on Him will produce the outcome He desires for you—a heart at peace that trusts in the Lord for what He said He would do. And just as the Israelites witnessed their breakthrough in its rightful time, you will, too.

Pause: Where have you seen God’s faithfulness in your life? How does this impact your faith and walk with Him?

Practice: Listen to the song “Promises” by Maverick City. Then, write down a line or phrase in the song that speaks to you.

Pray: Sovereign God, thank You for Your promises in my life. I know You are faithful to complete each one of them because I have seen You do it before. Help my heart to trust Your plans and timing, even when I struggle to believe You. I surrender, Lord, to Your perfect plans, for I know they are better than mine. Amen.