Matt 14:16 But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.”
I’ve read the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand countless times, and it wasn’t until this morning that one little part caught my attention. Jesus told the disciples to feed the crowd. “You give them something to eat.” The directive was clear and straightforward, not difficult to understand or interpret. “You give them something to eat.” And the disciples balked.
Matt 14:17-18 “But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!” They answered. And He said, “Bring them here to Me.”
I wish I knew the actions that accompanied Christ’s reply to the disciples. Did He heave a frustrated sigh? Roll His eyes? Show some sign of frustration and annoyance that once again He was calling the disciples to do something He knew them to be capable of because He gave them the ability, and once again they failed to see the power they had through Him? Or was He patient because He knew they were still learning to trust, still getting their feet under them, still finding their strength in Him?
Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?
Lord, Thank You for this day and for this reminder that You know what I am capable of through Your strength. When You call me to do difficult things that are beyond my comfort zone, help me to trust You, to obey You, to lean in to You and Your strength. Help me to know that it won’t always be easy or comfortable, but that if You’ve called me to do it, You’ll give me the strength to accomplish it. Help me to trust and obey. Draw me closer. Amen.
Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.