In the Gospels, we find stories of real people facing everyday situations. They react much the way we do which is why these stories so resonate with us, no matter how many times we have read them.
For several days, I have had the story of the feeding of the five thousand before me. Jesus had been ministering to the crowd, healing many of the sick among them. When it was evening, the disciples came to suggest to Jesus it was time to send everyone home, so the people could each find food for themselves.
Jesus countered with:
“They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat!”
(Matthew 14:16, NASB)
They must have already been trying to figure out how or where the crowd would find food, for they responded:
“They *said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.”
(verse 17, NASB)
The story is familiar and yet I have had my Bible opened to the passage for days. Each time I returned to read it, the words poked at me.
The disciples were looking at the problem through the lens of their own abilities and the availability of the food before them. They viewed the issue, the problem, realistically.
How often do we do the same thing?
We view our situation, our problem, or our need through the filter of our own abilities and limited understanding. We try to figure it out, and remedy it for ourselves,
The disciples gave the five loaves and two fish to Jesus. They let Him handle the problem, and He more than supplied the need at hand.
We know the story. We know Jesus fed the crowd. We know the miracle of the leftovers. We know there was more than enough.
When the disciples stopped trying to figure it out, when they knew they did not have the solution, when they surrendered the fish and loaves to Jesus, that He was then able to do what only He could do.
We need to surrender control, to let go of trying to do it all. We don’t have all the answers. We cannot fix it all or supply every need. But we can let go and rest in the One who can.
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
(Matthew 11:28-30, NASB)
Reflection:
Why do you think control is so hard for us to let go of? Will you open
your hand today and release it, letting God lighten your load?
Photo by Carlos Ruiz Huaman on Unsplash
Oh to release and not let go! I need to release my loaves and fishes - and let him do the turning into! Thank you, as always, for the Monday morning encouragement!
ReplyDeleteI'm grateful you were encouraged, Maryleigh. It is so hard to release and yet, in so doing, we receive so much more. May you have a blessed week!
DeleteIt's funny how we think we have to figure out the solution and then ask God for it. He can do "exceeding abundantly above all we can ask or think!" We just need to trust Him.
ReplyDeleteAs the years pass, I am discovering more and more that I do not have the solutions :) I am so very grateful, however, that He does. Oh for grace, to trust Him more! You are so encouraging, Barbara!
Delete