Bread and Water: Isaiah 30:20

There are few things as necessary to life as food and drink, but let's get more specific and say bread and water. These are staples that are necessary for humans to receive nutrition for growth. They provides energy and nourishment, relief and satisfaction. They are good things, and without them we would certainly die. 

It is shocking, then, to see these two human necessities compared to adversity and affliction in Isaiah 30:20. 

"Though the Lord may give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself any more, but your eyes shall see your Teacher."

In a culture that avoids adversity and affliction like the plague, indeed a culture that has learned to view them as harmful, the prophet tells Israel that these things can serve as gifts from the Lord. 

Though all adversity and affliction are not from the Lord, it is wise to receive them with thankfulness when they are. For in the same way that bread and water nourish and replenish our weary bodies, adversity and affliction can fortify out weary souls and shape our character. 

Indeed, they might just serve as the catalysts that open our weary eyes to the reality of our Teacher's presence with us. 

When through fiery trials thy pathways shall lie,

My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;

The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design

Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.