Isaiah 30:20 Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them.

Where the NIV says “the bread of adversity and the water of affliction,” the Japanese says, “scarce bread and little water,” referencing famine caused by drought. What hits me about this verse is that teachers, those who will expound and explain the Word of the Lord, are of greater value even than physical nourishment. That’s a position few today would take! One of the speakers at the recent conference became a Christian the first time he heard the Gospel because he had so urgently been seeking salvation prior to that, but frankly, few people have such a clear awareness of their need. When the Word of the Lord becomes more important to us than physical nourishment, we have crossed an important threshold. God desires to bless us, but we have to be open to receive the blessings. As long as we are fixated on the physical, we will neither recognize nor value the far greater blessings God offers to us. That’s one of many reasons salvation is by grace. In our natural state, we tend to go for physical satisfaction and pleasure. It is only by God’s grace that we recognize our deeper hunger and seek Him.

I have fasted by choice, and I have had times of financial lack, but I have never had times when physical nourishment was unavailable. That’s not to say that my priorities have always been right. Also, it is certainly true that our physical situation can greatly affect our capacity for receiving what is taught us. As a teacher, I know that students who are short on sleep sometimes might as well not be in class. I am not to ignore physical needs, in myself or in others, but my priority is to be God’s kingdom and His righteousness, just as Jesus said. (Matthew 6:33) I cannot force others to have that priority, but I can instruct and encourage as God gives opportunity. I certainly know from experience that is the way of peace and satisfaction.

Father, thank You again for Your patience with me. I am so often slow to learn! Thank You for all You did yesterday, bringing us home safely without getting lost, either place there was potential for that. Help me apply the things You spoke to me at the conference, and help me be an open channel for all You want to pour through me to others. I ask for Your anointing as I teach this morning and administer the exam this afternoon, as well as at prayer meeting tonight. May I rest, relax, and rejoice in You moment by moment, seeing and valuing things from Your perspective, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!