Participant or Party Pooper-pooper

When Jesus looked out and saw that a large crowd had arrived, he said to Philip, “Where can we buy bread to feed these people?” He said this to stretch Philip’s faith. He already knew what he was going to do. John 6:4-5

This is the chapter where Jesus feeds the 5,000. He talks about being the Bread of Life – the Manna from heaven. Jesus speaks before the miracle takes place. It sets the backdrop for the miracle. Jesus asked Phillip how he is going to feed the crowd so Phillip would understand the gravity of the situation.  Jesus had everything under control, but Phillip didn’t know that.

Wow!  God doesn’t enter into the possible with miracles, but into the impossible!  Phillip needed to see how ridiculous the idea of feeding all these people was. No place to buy food!  No money for that much food! How many disciples do you think were saying to each other, “Just send them away, hungry!”  Yet Jesus knew all along how this was going to play out.

How often have I missed a miracle because I didn’t allow Jesus to work in my impossible situation?  Did I quit too soon, compromise my desires, or take the easy way out and send people away hungry? All miracles come from God, both great and small but the big miracles come amid the biggest (impossible) needs. If I can’t meet the need with the natural resources He has given me, then He already has a plan in mind for the miracle. But sometimes He just wants me to see how great the need and how awesome the miracle will be!

Father, if I could see with spirit eyes all that is going on around me and out of my control, it might (WOULD) be more than I could handle. Yet, no matter how impossible the problem, the brick wall, the limited finances, or the lack of supplies, Jesus, You know the miracle soon to unfold. I must listen and obey, use the little I have and watch You work to supply the needs. Help me not to be a miracle party-pooper, doubting, giving up and walking away from the physically, emotionally, spiritually hungry, but a praising and expectant participant in Your miracle!!