How can we trust God's promises when resources seem insufficient, as in Numbers 11:22? Setting the Scene “Would they have enough if flocks and herds were slaughtered for them? Or would they have enough if all the fish in the sea were caught for them?” (Numbers 11:22). Moses is staring at six hundred thousand hungry Israelites in the wilderness. From a human standpoint the math doesn’t add up. He voices the question we often whisper: “Lord, how can Your promise stand when the supplies clearly don’t?” God’s Immediate Answer • Verse 23: “The Lord answered Moses, ‘Is the Lord’s arm too short? Now you will see whether My word will come to pass.’” • God does not provide a spreadsheet; He provides a reminder of His power. • The next day quail cover the camp for miles (vv. 31–32). Promise fulfilled, scarcity shattered. Lessons Embedded in the Text • Doubt is real, even for faithful leaders. Moses speaks it aloud. • God links His promise to His character, not to visible resources. • The sufficiency of His “arm” (power) outweighs the insufficiency of our inventory. Echoes Throughout Scripture • 1 Kings 17:13-16 — oil and flour that should have run out “did not run dry.” • 2 Kings 4:1-7 — jars keep filling “until there was not a jar left.” • John 6:5-13 — five loaves and two fish feed thousands; leftovers overflow. • Romans 4:20-21 — Abraham is “fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised.” • Philippians 4:19 — “My God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” • Ephesians 3:20 — He is “able to do infinitely more than all we ask or imagine.” Principles for Trust Today • Remember the Source: promises rest on God’s unchanging nature. • Review His Track Record: Scripture and personal history display repeated faithfulness. • Replace Sight with Script: measure lack against explicit promises, not against visible totals. • Respond in Obedience: Moses still gathered the elders (v. 24) before the quail arrived. Action signals trust. Practical Steps 1. Write down every current “Numbers 11:22” situation in your life. 2. Beside each, list at least one matching promise (e.g., Matthew 6:33; Psalm 37:25). 3. Thank Him aloud for provision not yet seen; gratitude shifts focus from shortage to Source. 4. Take the next faithful step (budget wisely, apply, serve, give) as though the promise is certain. 5. Revisit answered prayers regularly; build a memorial of God’s past provisions. Encouraging Reminders • Scarcity is a stage on which God showcases sufficiency. • The question “Would they have enough?” is answered by the One who owns every flock, herd, and sea. • When resources look laughably small, remember: “Is the Lord’s arm too short?” Never. |
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