A Future with Hope

My kitchen cabinet contained only a couple of cans of soup and some rice. I was going through a long period of unemployment, and the only way I could provide for my family was with help from friends and the local food pantry. With no job prospects in sight, I was consumed by the worst-case scenarios. Looking for a sign of hope, I opened my Bible to today’s scripture.

God, through Moses’ instruction, tells the Israelites that when they get to the Promised Land they are to remember their journey through the wilderness and God’s provision by celebrating the “Festival of Tabernacles” after harvest time. With nothing but the clothes on their backs and manna and quail for their daily meals, they are told of a time to come when they will be blessed beyond measure. God promises they will have plenty — with enough to give to the community.

I imagine believing in a future like that while wandering in the desert must have been extremely hard, but God kept God’s promise. Reading this story from scripture gave me assurance during my time of struggle. I knew then that God had better days in store for me and my family.