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Stay. In
Matthew 14:31-21, the evangelist recounts how, after a long day of ministering
to a large number of people, Jesus's disciples thought it best to tell the
multitude to go home because it was already getting dark. The disciples were
actually more concerned that this was a faraway place and there was nowhere to even
buy food. But Jesus tells them to have the crowd stay.
In difficult times, do we trust that God will see
us through? He bids us to stay in His love, to not be troubled by the onset of
darkness in our lives, to not count on our own abilities, not even on what the
world offers because all too often, what the world offers are quick fixes that
go against Christ's teachings.
The truth is that, Jesus did not promise an easy
life for those who choose to follow Him. Instead, we are invited to stay. Stay
and become witnesses to what our Heavenly Father can do to change our
circumstances, however hopeless and impossible they may seem.
Pray. Jesus
prayed over what was presented to Him, even though His friends could only come
up with two fishes and five loaves for the 5,000 men, not counting the women
and children, whom Jesus asked to stay, sit back, relax, and wait to be fed.
Talk about hopeless circumstances!
But did that daunt Jesus? Not one bit! While His
friends were all starting to worry, He showed them what prayer, coupled with
unwavering faith, could do. He then said, “Thank You, Father,” and proceeded to
hand out the food that multiplied and multiplied, until everyone had their
fill. And remember, there was a surplus that filled 12 wicker baskets.
Our prayers are heard by an all-powerful and loving
Father, who not only meets our needs, but provides more than what we ask for!
Share. I
often wonder, “In this particular story, why was there such a great overflow?”
Couldn’t Jesus have prayed for just
enough bread and fish? So what happened to the 12 baskets that day? Did everyone have leftovers for breakfast the following
morning?
Well, there was no further mention in the gospel
regarding that but I'd like to think that the extra may have been distributed, as
well, to the crowd. Why? Because Jesus wanted to give them one final lesson as
they went their separate ways: we are
blessed so that, in turn, we too can bless others!
May we always choose to stay in God’s love, to pray
with expectant faith, and to share whatever with which we have been blessed.
Image courtesy of: http://www.bethefew.com/
Image courtesy of: http://www.bethefew.com/
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