Not again! I thought as I realized I forgot to stop at the grocery store after my afternoon meeting. I’m going to have to pack the kids’ sandwiches on hamburger buns for the second time this week.
The dog nudges her bowl towards me, and I remember that dog food was on the grocery list, too. I sigh in frustration. I’ve been up since before the sun and on the go all day, but it still isn’t enough. And tomorrow, with new demands of its own, I’ll have to make room for one more task. Honestly, there are days I feel like I don’t have enough time or energy to keep up with my life.
Sometimes when I feel overwhelmed, I remember the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000, recorded in Matthew 14. Thousands of people left their homes to follow Jesus out into the middle of nowhere, and mealtime arrived. In a panic, the disciples were completely overwhelmed because they knew they didn’t have enough food to satisfy the masses. Jesus responded by thanking God for the five loaves and two fish they did have, breaking the bread, and telling the disciples to start feeding people. Then, much to the surprise of the disciples – and probably to the crowd as well:
They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.
– Matthew 14:20-21, NIV
They had leftovers! As Christ-followers, we must remember that while our resources are limited, we follow a God of abundance.
Jesus modeled how we should respond when we don’t have enough to give: we should thank God for whatever we do have, offer it all, and step out in faith that He will provide when our supply runs low. I don’t know about you, but I’m so thankful for this: At the end of the day, when it seems like I don’t have what it takes to do what needs to be done, He helps me “satisfy the masses.” And we end up with leftovers!
Emma Reynolds
Southeast Field Director