God is Faithful
Matthew 14:13-21 (NLT)
As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
That evening 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 food for themselves.”
But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary—you feed them.”
“But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!” they answered.
“Bring them here,” he said. Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children!
Reflection
Entry-level Spanish skills. Worry about leaving friends and family. Lack of finances. Fear. Sadness. Confusion. These are a few of the things I brought to the table when asked to become a short-term missionary in the Dominican Republic. I wasn’t planning on taking a step like this. I wasn’t prepared for a step like this. And yet, God called me to do it.
But, just like the boy who provided the fish and bread, I also brought a desire and willingness to be used by God. I knew God was calling me, so I was willing to be used. So, I prayed. I sought after God. I desired to be filled with His peace. And because God called, God provided.
God used entry-level Spanish skills to spark conversations. He turned worry of leaving old friendships into new ones. Lack of finances turned into supernatural provision. Fear became peace. Sadness became joy. Confusion became clarity.
Looking back on this season of life, all I see is God’s supernatural provision and faithfulness. Despite the lack of skills or preparation, God was faithful. He has promised over and over to provide for His children. He doesn’t just call you to take a step of faith. He equips you to take that step. And then He blesses it.
Action Steps
God can take your nothingness and turn it into supernatural blessing. Whatever you’re facing in this season of life, God can use it for good.
1. Think back on the times God has provided for you. Thank Him for those seasons of life.
2. Spend some time thinking about the areas in your life that God could use for something bigger. Pray that He uses you in supernatural ways.
Prayer
God, thank You for Your love and provision. Thank You for supernaturally blessing my life. I pray that You take my fear, worry, confusion, and desperation and turn them into beautiful things. Use me to advance Your Kingdom. You are always faithful. I thank You for that. In Your name I pray, amen.
As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
That evening 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 food for themselves.”
But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary—you feed them.”
“But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!” they answered.
“Bring them here,” he said. Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children!
Reflection
Entry-level Spanish skills. Worry about leaving friends and family. Lack of finances. Fear. Sadness. Confusion. These are a few of the things I brought to the table when asked to become a short-term missionary in the Dominican Republic. I wasn’t planning on taking a step like this. I wasn’t prepared for a step like this. And yet, God called me to do it.
But, just like the boy who provided the fish and bread, I also brought a desire and willingness to be used by God. I knew God was calling me, so I was willing to be used. So, I prayed. I sought after God. I desired to be filled with His peace. And because God called, God provided.
God used entry-level Spanish skills to spark conversations. He turned worry of leaving old friendships into new ones. Lack of finances turned into supernatural provision. Fear became peace. Sadness became joy. Confusion became clarity.
Looking back on this season of life, all I see is God’s supernatural provision and faithfulness. Despite the lack of skills or preparation, God was faithful. He has promised over and over to provide for His children. He doesn’t just call you to take a step of faith. He equips you to take that step. And then He blesses it.
Action Steps
God can take your nothingness and turn it into supernatural blessing. Whatever you’re facing in this season of life, God can use it for good.
1. Think back on the times God has provided for you. Thank Him for those seasons of life.
2. Spend some time thinking about the areas in your life that God could use for something bigger. Pray that He uses you in supernatural ways.
Prayer
God, thank You for Your love and provision. Thank You for supernaturally blessing my life. I pray that You take my fear, worry, confusion, and desperation and turn them into beautiful things. Use me to advance Your Kingdom. You are always faithful. I thank You for that. In Your name I pray, amen.
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