Exodus 16:   ⁴ Then
the Lord said
to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the
people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test
them, whether they will follow my instruction or not. …¹⁹ And
Moses said to them, “Let no one leave any of it over until morning.” ²⁰ But
they did not listen to Moses; some left part of it until morning, and it bred
worms and became foul. And Moses was angry with them. 

Since the
arrival of the coronavirus, there has been a world-wide shortage of toilet
paper. At first, when I saw this mentioned on Facebook, I thought it was a
joke, wondering why I didn’t understand the punchline. Scottie Andrew from CNN
(https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/09/health/toilet-paper-shortages-novel-coronavirus-trnd/index.html) mentioned several reasons why
people are resorting to this behavior in a recent article. One of his reasons
was “It allows some to feel a sense of control.”

In our
Exodus reading, Israelites hoarded manna, even though Moses (having heard this
from the Lord) assured them there would be enough manna for each day. We learn
that the hoarded manna “bred worms and became foul”. Of course, it is unlikely
that this is going to happen with hoarded paper products today.

In both
cases, though, those involved seem to have forgotten who is really in control. Matthew
21:25 tells us “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life.” God
is in control. Jesus is your friend, and always by your side. With each breath,
the Holy Spirit is with you. So, friends, breathe! And maybe offer a neighbor a
helping hand and some paper products during these uncertain times.

God, during these times when I may feel things are
completely out of my control, help me to remember who is really in charge.
Thanks for loving me. Amen.

Vicky Daub,
Lead of Bethany’s Operation One Nation team.