We all know of the manna which God provided for the Israelites when in the desert for 40 years after escaping bondage in Egypt.  When the dew evaporated what was left behind was a flake-like substance perhaps tasting a bit sweet like honey. When this heavenly dew fell the Israelites may have said “Ma’n hu?” “What is this?” though Rashi suggests it comes from the root “m-n-h” to “allot” or “portion”.

Amazingly the flakes could be heated by baking or even boiling and the end result is referenced as bread from heaven metaphorically in our ponderings of this miraculous provision. They most likely were formed into an edible form similar to bread and of course in our holy writings this bread has come to represent so much more. So divine was this substance that it was to be eaten by the end of the day or else it would spoil, teaching us of God’s daily provision, the only exception being the double portion for Shabbat. What a time of intimacy with our Creator those days in the desert must have been.

Oh but we are so often in the desert wandering as did they . . .

Last weekend Sid took a terrible fall and broke his ankle in three places. At this writing on Tuesday he is undergoing his second surgery, the treatment for the breaks very complex and the rehab and recovery to be challenging and lengthy. The sudden change to our lives has given me so many ways to be grateful and see HaShem’s Hand in this for us, today and always, providing daily manna just as He did for our ancestors.

I was not with Sid when the accident occurred and the injury being to his left ankle somehow he drove himself to the emergency room rather than call 911! How he did that, was led to the only trauma hospital and not a regular one, and did so safely with a horrendously dislocated ankle was a miracle, truly a “Jesus take the wheel” beyond human understanding series of events.

I stayed with Sid in the hospital room the first night when he was admitted. Although we had little sleep sharing the room with a roommate producing more unusual sounds than I could ever have imagined humanly possible, it was a blessing to have the option to be allowed to stay in Sid’s room and on a comfortable enough recliner chair.

I came home after the first night to get some belongings to bring back for our anticipated days’ long stay. That morning as the water splashed my face I experienced a feeling of revival, renewed by the water, felt Yeshua as the Living Water, Mayim Chayim. As I was putting an oil moisturizer on my face I felt His Presence. The oil moisturizer reminded me of the Maccabean miracle oil lasting eight days instead of one, life giving, light bringing, restorative. My worry and concern were replaced with joy in the Lord.

As the manna provided nourishment in the dry wilderness, the parted Dead Sea saved our ancestors immersed from the water, as we are further immersed through Yeshua, so too, did these feelings of provision, life giving water, and nourishing oil bring a spiritual reminder to me of Yeshua’s Presence with Sid and me through these days of trial. Somehow in an inexplicable way these simple daily routines impacted me with these connections to let me know our Creator is with us now as He was then with our ancestors.

My Zoom Ruach community was with me when I received the news of Sid’s accident so they have been praying since the traumatic injury occurred. My family and friends remote and here have been supporting me daily so that I can be with Sid. The accident has caused me to do a complete reset of my schedule meaning everything is on hold until further notice. This time of quiet (other than when the parade of professionals are in the room) has brought me nearer to my purposes here, a blessing I did not foresee.

There have been uncountable examples of “synchronistic” timing, perfect provision to meet my needs during these days of hardship. Despite remote parking as my only option the hospital parking lot shuttle has always been waiting for me to provide a much needed ride since I have had such heavy bags to carry (IPads, books, Kindle, food. . . ). Each time I’ve asked the driver if there’s a remote camera somewhere that he knows when I arrive to which he has replied there is not. Of course we know the “camera” is HaShem’s watchful eye, His Love being ministered through so many “angels” here on earth.

Friends here were able to drive the RV from the hospital back to our home here, shuttle me back and forth until my amazing uncle (arranged through my amazing cousin) lent me his car for as long as necessary. Friends and neighbors have been here for us every step of the way tending to our fur baby Sofie daily enabling me to stay at the hospital with Sid for full days and evenings.

While Sid was in surgery today I was able to visit a young man who is the grandson of a friend here. He experienced a life threatening traumatic injury a month ago, just recently coming out of a medically induced coma. I was so grateful to be able to visit him today and pray for him. The timing of Sid’s stay at the regional trauma center has been a blessing as I could encourage this amazing young man who can only at this point hear me as I pray for him and his father.

. . .

The manna fell as dew, a holy covering. The water cleanses and purifies. The oil anoints. He is with us now as then, speaking to us through Scripture, reminding us that we do not need to stay in the desert, be wandering. No matter what life brings us, He is constant, always with us, sustaining us, nurturing us. Through these days when we don’t turn away, or take control, we will sense this reality even more deeply.

We need never feel we are wandering in the desert separated from our Creator. Lean into Him. Stay encouraged. Seek Him. He’s here. We are in His embrace. Just let go and let him take the wheel.

Shabbat shalom.

Diane