Then the whole congregation of the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness…Then the Lord said to Moses,“Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you.”-Exodus 16:2,4a

The wilderness is a place few of us would choose, but it’s often where God chooses to meet us. In Exodus 16, the people of Israel found themselves in a barren land. They were free from Egypt, but not in the Promised Land yet. Their joy turned quickly into grumbling. They began to question God’s provision and blame Moses and Aaron for their discomfort.

Isn’t that how our hearts often respond? When life doesn’t go as expected? When things feel dry, uncertain, or out of control? We look for someone to blame. We think our circumstances are the problem, but God’s Word reveals a deeper issue: our attitude in the wilderness.

Israel’s complaint wasn’t really about food. It was about trust. They had seen God’s power in the plagues, the Red Sea crossing (amazingly awesome signs of God’s presence with them!), and yet, one hunger pang later, they questioned God’s goodness. Their attitude of unbelief became a bigger barrier than the desert itself.

But here’s the grace: God still provided. Not because they deserved it, but because God is faithful. He rained down manna from heaven, daily bread, just enough for each day. It wasn’t just provision; it was a test of faith. Would they trust God, one day at a time?

We, too, walk through spiritual wilderness seasons. But in Christ, we have more than manna… we have the Bread of Life. Jesus doesn’t just give provision. He is our provision. And because of Jesus, we don’t have to stay stuck in patterns of grumbling and blame.

What God allows, He will redeem. That desert you’re walking through? It may be preparing you for deeper dependence, greater faith, and unexpected provision. So keep walking. Keep trusting. Your circumstances don’t have to change for you to walk in God’s promises—your heart does.