Monday 20 August, 2018

13 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. 15 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” 16 Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” 17 “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. 18 “Bring them here to me,” he said. 19 And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

When I read this passage, I ask myself, ‘how would I have responded if Jesus had asked me to feed thousands with a few loaves and fish?’ I love being hospitable and feeding people, but I feel my reaction wouldn’t have been far off from the disciples. I probably would have found myself saying that there’s no way this fish and bread can feed everyone. In response to Jesus, the disciples expressed that they didn’t have enough. It’s ironic that in that moment, the disciples were telling Jesus, someone Who IS more than enough, that bread and fish was an issue.

We have a God Who meets all our needs, and desires to bless us with what is more than enough. I am challenged by this passage, to consider where I am limiting God and all that He has for me, purely by my lack of faith. Where do I need to rely more on God and less on myself? The people ate and were left satisfied, with an abundance remaining (vs 20). I am reminded to surrender my needs and desires, and be expectant for Him to provide in abundance. He leaves me feeling satisfied.

Lord God, I thank You that nothing is too hard for You. Thank you that You provide me with all that I need and more. Please help me today, to seek You and put all my faith in You and the provision You have for me.

Written by Laura Samperi