Do not Go Straight to Fail

There are times when our problems seem insurmountable and no matter how hard we try we cannot find a way out. When that happens, it is easy to just give up, pout and feel sorry for ourselves. One day, though, Jesus’ disciples discovered another option.
Thousands of people had gathered to hear Jesus’ teaching. As evening fell, the disciples looked over the crowd and realized that they had a problem, so they found Jesus and said, “This is a remote place and it is already very late. Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat” (Mark 6:35-36).

Jesus’ responded, “You give them something to eat” (verse 37).

Suddenly the disciples had a problem that they did not create and could not handle. After a quick calculation, they estimated that it would take more than eight months’ wages to feed all those people and even then each person would only get a small bite (John 6:7). They had no idea what to do next. “[We have] five barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will that go among so many?” (John 6:9). They were ready to give up. However, Jesus was not done with them yet.

Having heard about their meager collection of food, he said, “Bring it to me!” (Matthew 14:18). Jesus took what they had and multiplied it so that not only did all the people get enough to eat, but they had baskets full of leftovers.

The feeding of the five thousand is the only miracle that is recorded by all four gospel writers (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). I think they all saw it as being significant not only for what happened, but also for the lesson that it taught: Whatever you have is enough as long as you bring it to Jesus.

Too often we fail because we try to do everything on our own. Too often we hold back the good we could do because we do not think it is enough to make a difference.

However, if we could just believe that God is at work and can help us in any and every situation, we might be surprised by what happens next.

“Bring it to me” is always the best answer!

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