SERMON NOTES WITH APPLICATION

Pastor William Mathis
1 day ago
3 min read

Series Theme: I Got It

“WHAT IS IT?”

Exodus 16:1–15 (The Message)Overall Theme: Hidden MannaFollows: Aha, I Can Finally See

🌅 BIG IDEA

Sometimes God provides what we need in ways we don’t recognize. The Israelites looked at God’s miracle and said, “What is it?” — but what looked strange was actually sustenance for their soul. When we trust God through the wilderness, we learn that His provision often looks unfamiliar, but it’s always enough.

POINT 1: PREPARATION FOR THE PROCESS (vv. 1–3)

The Israelites had just left Egypt — the land of bondage — and were now in the wilderness. Freedom didn’t feel comfortable. They complained, wishing for Egypt’s food instead of trusting God’s plan.

Truth: Every new season with God requires preparation. Sometimes God has to detox your appetite from what used to fill you, so He can feed you something better.

For Christians: Stop glorifying what God delivered you from. The wilderness is not punishment; it’s preparation.

For Non-Christians / Seekers: God may be using this season to help you unlearn the things that kept you trapped — so you can discover something new.

💡 Practical Application:

Be honest about what you miss, but don’t let it pull you backward.
When it feels like God took away your “comfort,” ask what He’s preparing you for.
Preparation seasons don’t always feel holy — but they build faith and endurance.

“You can’t eat Egypt’s bread and expect Heaven’s strength.”

POINT 2: PROVISION IN THE PROCESS (vv. 4–10)

God promises to “rain bread down from heaven.” Even while the people are complaining, He’s still caring. Manna doesn’t look like what they expected — but it’s exactly what they needed.

Truth: God doesn’t just bless you when you behave — He blesses you because He’s faithful. His provision teaches you to depend on Him daily.

For Christians: God’s blessings often come disguised. Stop calling your miracle “messy.”

For Non-Christians / Seekers: God cares enough to meet your basic needs — even when you don’t yet fully believe in Him. That’s grace.

💡 Practical Application:

Stop asking “What is it?” and start asking “What is God teaching me through it?”
Thank God for today’s bread — physical and spiritual.
Trust that what God gives is not random — it’s daily and divine.

“Hidden Manna” reminds us that God’s provision is often unseen until we gather it in faith.

POINT 3: PROPHETIC INSIGHT OUT OF THE PROCESS (vv. 11–15)

When the dew lifts, the people see something fine and flaky on the ground. They don’t recognize it — so they name it “man-hu” — meaning “What is it?” But Moses tells them, “It’s the bread God has given you to eat.” God provides — but it takes prophetic eyes to recognize it.

Truth: Prophetic vision helps you see God’s hand in strange situations. What confuses others can confirm God’s purpose in you.

For Christians: Prophetic insight means learning to look at your wilderness and still say, “God is working.”

For Non-Christians / Seekers: Sometimes the mystery you’re facing is an invitation — God’s way of showing you He’s closer than you think.

💡 Practical Application:

Slow down and ask, “Lord, what is this teaching me about You?” before labeling something as bad.
Listen for God’s voice in unfamiliar places — His glory often shows up in the wilderness.
Be open to new forms of “bread” — new ways God might be feeding your spirit (community, conversation, art, prayer, silence).

Prophetic insight turns “What is it?” into “Now I see it.”

TAKEAWAY

God’s people learned that manna wasn’t just about bread — it was about trust.When life gives you something unfamiliar, don’t reject it — receive it. It may just be your daily portion from heaven.

💭 “What is it?” may be your faith moment in disguise.

💬 God’s provision may not look familiar, but it’s always faithful.

🌄 When you trust Him through the wilderness, you’ll be able to say — “I got it!”

🔑 THEMES UNDER “I GOT IT” & “HIDDEN MANNA”

I Got It: Understanding often comes after obedience. God reveals meaning in motion. Keep walking.
Hidden Manna: God feeds you in ways that can’t be explained — nourishment that the world can’t see but your spirit recognizes.