Growing up I had a narrow picture of fasting: don’t eat food for some period, which as a student sounded challenging. In Matthew 6 and all over scripture we get a rich picture of fasting as an opportunity to grow closer to God, to challenge the status quo in our lives, and dig deeper into prayer.
Moses discovers that carrying everything alone is neither faithful nor sustainable. In the in-between seasons, God often forms us through community, shared burdens, and the humility to receive help.
When the people run out of water and face enemies, the wilderness exposes both their fear and God’s faithfulness. Formation happens as Israel learns that God can sustain them even when resources, strength, and confidence run low.
In the wilderness, God gives daily bread instead of long-term security, teaching His people to trust Him one day at a time. The in-between season becomes a place where dependence replaces self-sufficiency.