Dr. Lawrence Butler, The Bridge Church, Pembroke

This week’s message dealt with a passage of scripture from Psalms 78. The chapter opens with memories of adults, but then quickly turns to the importance of sharing these memories with their children.

God’s reason for stressing that parents share these events with their young was to avoid the failures and rebellion of their fathers. “And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God” (Psalms 78:8).

The message title was a spoken challenge to those who believed the Lord was able to feed and protect them while the Children of Israel journeyed from Egypt to Canaan.

God’s response was to feed them with “manna’ for 40 years. The challenge was met by God as He proved Himself capable of caring for those who live by faith.

The wilderness was a period of stress and struggle for Israel. It corresponds to our daily problems in life. We often meet difficult circumstances that would overwhelm but for the grace of God. The places of trials serve two major purposes in our lives. 1) The obstacles we face will often reveal the weakness of our hearts, the lack of faith and trust in God. How can we really know ourselves until the struggles of life unmask us? Did Peter ever think he would curse, swear and deny he knew Christ? Probably not, but his heart was revealed the night Jesus was arrested. 2) Our conflicts show forth the love, care and forgiveness of our heavenly Father.

Time and again He has proven His love for His people. “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Ephesians 3:20).

Not only does He love us, but has shown over and over His power can deliver us from our circumstances and keep us on our journey until we safely reach home with Him.

Can God furnish a table in the wilderness? Can God take care of you? Will He help you in your time of need? He probably will not grant you all of your requests, but He will never leave you alone (Hebrews 13: 5).