Sustaining Today's Faith, Not Yesterday's Glory

 

    

Depiction of Exodus 16

We often find ourselves reflecting on moments of spiritual triumph, those times when our faith felt vibrant and alive. Yet, the challenge lies in maintaining that fervor amidst the daily grind. As my father would say, "It's not how you start, but how you finish that matters." This adage echoes a profound truth, particularly in our spiritual journey. It's not the initial spark that defines us, but the consistent flame we carry through life's ebbs and flows that matters most. 

    There have been many pastors who have started off strong only to be found no longer serving God later in there life. There have been Christians who at one time were faithfully serving the Lord, yet now they are no longer to be found in church, let alone involved in any kind of service for the Lord. There have been many who's faith started out as a blaze, that has now dwindled down to a mere ember. 

    King Solomon, a man of unparalleled wisdom, erected the Temple of God, yet succumbed to the allure of foreign deities in his later years. This stark contrast between his early devotion and later decline serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of spiritual momentum. A condition that can, if we are not carefully diligent, happen to us all. 

    The crux of this issue, I believe, lies in our tendency to rely on past spiritual "plenty," allowing it to be consumed by present "poverty." We rest on past revivals, past victories, as if they were reserves sufficient for a lifetime. However, spiritual vitality is not a stored commodity; it requires daily renewal.

    S.D. Gordon astutely observed, "We need a fresh touch with God, daily, hourly. The blessed, fruitful, victorious experiences of yesterday are not only of no value to me today, but they will actually be eaten up or reversed by today's failures, unless they serve as incentives to still better, richer experiences with God today." 

    This brings us to Exodus 16, a poignant illustration of this principle. God provided manna for the Israelites in the wilderness, a daily provision of sustenance. Exodus 16:19-20 (ESV) states, "And Moses said to them, ‘Let no one leave any of it over till morning.’ But they did not listen to Moses. Some left part of it over till morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them." 

    Here, God's instruction was clear: gather only what you need for the day. This wasn't merely a lesson in obedience; it was a profound spiritual principle as well. The manna represented God's daily provision, a tangible reminder of His constant presence and care. By attempting to hoard it, the Israelites demonstrated a lack of trust in God's ongoing provision. Essentially God wanted them to be dependent on Him daily. The rotting manna symbolized the decay that occurs when we rely on past experiences rather than present encounters with God.

    The manna incident is a powerful metaphor for our spiritual lives. We cannot live on yesterday's spiritual nourishment. We require fresh encounters, fresh revelations, and fresh grace each day. Just as the Israelites needed daily manna to survive, we need daily communion with God to sustain our faith today. Tomorrow, we don't need spiritual left overs to live on, we need fresh spiritual fruit to nurture our souls. 

1 Chronicles 16:11 reinforces this: "Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!" This is not a one-time act but a continuous pursuit.

Practical Applications for Daily Sustenance:

1. Daily Devotion: Establish a consistent time for Bible reading and prayer. This is your daily "gathering of manna." Consider using a structured reading plan or a devotional guide to provide focus. The goal is to cultivate a habit of daily communion with God.
2. Community and Accountability: Engage in meaningful fellowship with other believers. Join a small group, participate in church activities, or find a mentor. Shared experiences and accountability can provide essential support and encouragement. Hebrews 10:25 reminds us not to neglect meeting together, as is the habit of some.
3. Active Service and Humility: Find opportunities to serve others. This shifts our focus from self-preservation to God's kingdom. Remember, service is not just an act of charity, but an act of worship. Philippians 2:3-4 encourages us to consider others more significant than ourselves.
4. Reflection and Renewal: Regularly reflect on your spiritual journey. Be honest with yourself and with God about areas of dryness or stagnation. Seek His guidance and be willing to adjust your routines or practices as needed. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us that His mercies are new every morning.

    Let us not allow the perishable manna of past spiritual experiences to dictate our present faith. Instead, let us seek a fresh, daily encounter with the living God, trusting in His constant provision and grace.

May we all finish the race strong, fueled by His daily sustenance.