I Choose Today to Work the Gift

God doesn’t give us finished loaves. He gives us seeds.

That thought came to me as I reflected on the story of manna in the wilderness. Each morning, God provided just enough for the day—a daily portion of provision. But it didn’t come in the form of warm bread ready to eat. It came as a seed-like substance the Israelites had to gather, grind, and bake into something useful (Numbers 11:7-9).

In other words, He gave them the gift, but invited them to work it.

And isn’t that still true of the way God works with us? Whether it’s a talent, an idea, a calling, or a word of encouragement—He often gives us something in seed form. The potential is there. The blessing is real. But the fullness comes in the co-laboring.

Sometimes I look at the things He’s placed in my hands and feel the pressure to have them all polished and perfect right away. But God isn’t asking for perfection—He’s inviting me into participation.

The manna wasn’t about convenience. It was about connection. It required trust—gathering only enough for today, not storing up for tomorrow. It required obedience—doing it His way, on His timing. And it required effort—working the gift into something that nourished the community.

And it’s the same with the things He entrusts to us.

He gives us vision—but we have to walk it out.

He gives us a voice—but we have to speak.

He gives us a story—but we have to tell it.

He gives us grace—but we have to receive it.

We’re not just recipients of God’s gifts—we’re stewards of them. Co-creators, even. Not because He needs us, but because He wants us. He wants relationship, not just results. Intimacy, not just impact.

It reminds me of the line in the Lord’s Prayer: “Give us this day our daily bread.” That prayer isn’t just about food—it’s about trusting God to provide what we need, when we need it.It’s about recognizing that we are dependent on Him every day, and that the bread He gives is often the beginning, not the end. It’s up to us to receive it and steward it—whether it’s strength for today, a word to share, or a gift to grow. It’s daily. It’s intentional. And it’s always enough.

So today, I’m choosing to work the gift.

To gather what He gives, and show up with my hands.

To trust that even when I don’t feel enough, He is.

And to believe that the daily, quiet work matters in His kingdom.

Because He’s still providing manna.

And He’s still inviting us to make something with it.

“He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna… to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”

—Deuteronomy 8:3 (NIV)

Take a moment today and ask: What seed has God placed in my hands?

Is it a story, a gift, an idea, or even a simple moment of encouragement meant for someone else? Don’t wait for it to be fully formed before you act. Trust the Giver, and work the gift. He’ll do more with your daily obedience than you could ever imagine.