In our fast paced 24/7 world, we are constantly faced with the issue of job security. A job that may look safe today may be gone tomorrow. I can remember a time not too long ago when computer programming was considered a lucrative field to enter; six months later the word got out to stay away from it.

Career counselors advise clients to constantly upgrade their skill and talent level. Their diverse skills will make themselves more endearing to their employers and in the event that they lose their job, they can quickly rebound in another field.

This week’s Torah portion teaches us that, ultimately, as G-d believing Jews, our focus should not only be on watching events on the ground around us, but pointed heavenward to Him as well. G-d, is ultimately, the one who signs off on our financial and general wellbeing.

Moshe described to the Jewish People how G-d sustained them for forty years in the desert with the heavenly bread called manna. Unlike conventional food, the manna didn’t have a uniform taste; it tasted the way each person so desired. The manna possessed no waste material; the body consumed everything.

 Why did G-d need to resort to heavenly bread to nourish the Jews? After all, G-d is All Powerful and can literally move heaven and earth to get the Jews something to eat.

Moshe himself answered the question. He stated that the manna served as a tutorial for the Jewish nation for all time. As much as we think that we earn our keep and sustain our families and ourselves, it is ultimately the One Above who gives us the capabilities to put bread on the table.

During the forty-year odyssey in the desert, the Jews lived a heavenly life. They ate heavenly food, were protected by heavenly clouds and their clothing didn’t fade or wear out. Once the Jews entered the Land of Israel, these miracles ceased, but the lesson they taught the Jews lives on. G-d is the one who sustains us and provides for us. Although the Jews were relegated to live a regular agrarian lifestyle, they were to remember who ultimately provides for them.

Such experiences that our ancestors lived through encourage us all to realize that while we must work for a living and do our part to live, our thoughts and prayers should reach heavenward asking that G-d give us the right opportunities for sustenance.

When one truly understands that G-d is the Ultimate Provider and places complete confidence in His abilities, then one doesn’t feel the need to skirt the laws to make money, even in rough times. If G-d wants him to get the money, he will give it to him in a “kosher” manner. If he doesn’t deserve the money, then he will incur a loss down the line that may offset the gain.

As go about our daily business, let us also focus our attention to the One Above that He should give us the means to keep on moving forward in life.