30 So they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31 Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” 32 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

John 6:30-33

In Exodus 16, we get this picture of God sending bread for the Israelites, enough for each day, to see if they can obey His command. The command is a test of reliance on God’s provision.

It’s easy for us to fail to see God’s provision – we like to think we’ve earnt it, or worked hard for it. And when we think like this, we hold those things close and don’t let go. But here Jesus tells us all we need is given to us from God – the true bread that gives life to the world. When we’re faced with a time like now, where the things we hold close are being eroded or taken away, our response should be to rely on God’s provision.

What are the things in your life that you hold close and find hard to let go? Try praying thanks to God for providing those things. What changes do you think you could make to remind yourself daily that God has provided all you need in Jesus?

Spend a few moments thinking through these questions. Sit and meditate on God – listen to what he wants to say to you through this. Respond to him in prayer.