(4.7 min read – 803 words)

Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, and the people will drink.” And Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. – Exodus 17:6 (ESV)

Years ago, I was living in a downtown historic home with my wife. The neighborhood’s crime rate kept getting worse. One night I had a disturbing dream. I saw a burglar’s hand grabbing the handle of our master bedroom door. As the door began to open, I suddenly woke up. I turned to my wife who was pregnant at the time and said, “we need to move”.  How’s that for, “good morning darling”!

Well, that day we started searching.

Two weeks later we identified a home in the country amongst fireflies, creeks, and deer. It wasn’t just any home, however. The entire place had been specifically retrofitted for handicap access – a need we had. The home had also been on the market for five years. During closing negotiations, the seller told us that she had declined many offers at much higher deals because God kept telling her to wait on the right people. When we met her, the Lord not only gave her a greenlight to sell to us, but she also accepted our counteroffer at 20% below asking price!

God’s ways have not changed. He is still providing for His people in the unlikeliest of ways. Below are four insights from Moses’ story to apply to and see God’s unpredictable provision in action today.

1. The Rock = Christ

The rock from which the water flowed out of was a shadow. Today, that rock is Christ. Everything we need for provision is hidden inside Him. Our provision manifests in the physical world but its spring source flows from the spiritual. When we put Christ first, everything we need will be given to us.

Are you seeking Him and His Kingdom first?

2. What’s in your hand?

God does not partner with entitled people. We dare not demand His provision. But, when we ask for “this day our daily bread” in humility, we should not be surprised if God says back to us, “give me some flour first”. To see God’s unpredictable provision, He usually asks we give Him something first. Moses used what was in his hand – a staff – to release what was in God’s – supernatural provision. Moses also acted quickly. As soon as God commanded him to strike the rock, He did. Delayed obedience is disobedience. When Jesus fed the 5,000 plus one day, He made his disciples participate. After providing a few pieces of bread and fish from their hands, He brought supernatural provision from His.

So, what’s in your hand? A few dollars, a few cans of food, a few contacts? Regardless of how small, lift it up to Him, do what He says without delay, and God will be dependable on your behalf.

3. Expect the unexpected

The water from the rock teaches us that God’s provision often comes from very unexpected places. Take Peter – whose provision for his tax bill came from a fish’s mouth. God is both dependable and unpredictable.

Are you diligently watching for God to provide from the unlikeliest of places? Leave no stone unturned. Be careful to not disregard the seemingly insignificant.

4. Provision for purpose

Lastly, to receive unpredictable provision from God requires it be connected to a higher purpose. The water Moses needed was not merely for himself. It was also for millions of other people with him. God is not a lottery machine where we pull the handle and out will comes everything we desire. His provision for us is usually not limited to us. It is often also for the needs of those in our care, such as our families and the ones we lead.

Have you connected your request for provision to a higher purpose beyond yourself?

Ask, and it shall be given to you. Seek and you will find. What steps may you need to take to receive unpredictable provision from God today?

Do you have a provision story to share? Email me back. I’d love to hear about it!