Mayflies and Manna: From Curiosity to Wisdom
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When the people of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.” – Exodus 16:15 (ESV)
I imagined lake living as idyllic, with peaceful sunrises and breathtaking sunsets. And it was… until May, when thousands of mayflies hatched and covered our boats, docks, and trees and hovered like thick black clouds at dusk. I quickly learned to keep my mouth shut whenever I stepped outside.
Watching the mayflies, I asked the same question that the Israelites asked one another when they first saw manna, the bread from heaven, in the wilderness:
“…What is it?” (Exodus 16:15)
The Israelites hadn’t seen manna before, I had never seen a mayfly. Our questions weren’t wrong.
But wisdom doesn’t end by asking, “What is it?”
The Israelites saw flakes of manna on the ground. God saw provision for His people.
I saw the mayflies as a nuisance. God saw the bugs fulfilling the purpose for which He created them.
Over time, the Israelites stopped appreciating God’s daily provision and began taking His goodness for granted.
Similarly, I complained that the mayflies marred my enjoyment of the lake and almost caused me to miss the gift of the lake.
If God has a purpose for mayflies that I didn’t understand at first, how much more can I trust His purposes for me in a circumstance I don’t understand?
Now, instead of rushing to my own conclusions, I’m learning it is wise to seek God’s perspective.
The wilderness is still the wilderness, The mayflies are still annoying. Neither are enjoyable. But, God may be accomplishing something we can’t yet see.
Our first impression is rarely the whole story. That doesn’t just apply to manna and mayflies. It applies to difficult marriages, wayward children, a frightening diagnosis, growing old, ministry challenges, and blessings.
James 1:5 reminds us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God…”
Before we react, we pause, ask God for wisdom, and trust that He sees more than we do.
The next time an unexpected “mayfly” lands in your life, it’s natural to ask, “what is it?”
That’s curiosity.
But then ask, “God, what do You want me to see?”
That’s wisdom.
Questions for Reflection:
1. What “mayfly” in your life have you labeled as bothersome? Ask God to help you see it through His eyes.
2. Have you been quick to interpret a situation before praying and asking for God’s wisdom? Ask Him, “Lord, what do you want me to see?”
3. After trusting God in a difficult season, where have you seen Him reveal His purpose for you?
