Resources were low. Expectations were high. There was a problem.
When the apostles returned, they told Jesus everything they had done. Then he slipped quietly away with them toward the town of Bethsaida. But the crowds found out where he was going, and they followed him. He welcomed them and taught them about the Kingdom of god, and he healed those who were sick.
Late in the afternoon the twelve disciples came to him and said, “Send the crowds away to the nearby villages and farms, so they can find food and lodging for the night. There is nothing to eat here in this remote place.”
But Jesus said, “You feed them.” ~Luke 9:10-13
What?! The disciples saw the crowds and they heard what Jesus told them to do, but they had no idea how they were supposed to achieve the vision that was in front of them.
“But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Or are you expecting us to go and buy enough food for this whole crowd?” For there were about 5,000 me there.~Luke 9:13-14
The disciples were asked to do “the impossible”. It didn’t make sense. They couldn’t see how it would work out. What could they do?
Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. “There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?”~John 6:8-9
If we continue to read this story, not only were all the people fed, but there were plenty of leftovers! The disciples were given a “task”. They knew the vision (feeding all the people), knew they were the ones to do it (“You feed them”), and they did their part (got the 5 loaves and 2 fish). Jesus did the rest and the “impossible” happened.
Do you think God would ask you to do something that was impossible? Together with Him, anything can happen! Don’t doubt because you can’t see the whole path. Don’t stop because you don’t have it all figured out. Don’t let a lack of resources or answers hinder what you know you’re supposed to do. God already has the problem solved.
A few years ago I was given a vision that seemed impossible. From where I stand today, that vision in some ways seems even more impossible! Right now I am in a very uncomfortable place–not knowing what tomorrow brings, not sure where God is taking us, and people turning and/or going away. The crazy thing is, the vision is even stronger and clearer! I have no idea how it all comes together, but I trust that if I do what’s possible (keep stepping forward, doing my part), God will take care of the rest.
Some days I feel like screaming. Other days I’m excited for what lies ahead. I feel frustrated, impatient, lost, alone and wandering. I feel promise, boldness, honored, alive and encouraged. I pray and I step…it’s all I can do. He’s got the rest under control.
Filed under: Church planting, Faith, Leadership, Ministry, My Life | Tagged: Church planting, Faith, Leadership, Ministry, My Life
Excellent post Rindy! And I resonate with every emotion you mention above. Yes, comfort isn’t God’s plan for us
when we are weak, then He is strong………when you are out of resources there is no doubt who gets the glory when the job gets done. Keep responding to the vision.God will do the rest.
Good stuff Rindy. I actually preached on this passage/topic recently for Compassion Sunday at the Orchard. Here’s the notes from my thoughts.
Sometimes it is exactly in those in between places that God does the deep work inside of us, so that when the next step is visible we have the resources we need to do it to His glory! Blessings to you in the waiting, Rindy!
I absolutely believe that God asks us to do the impossible….impossible for us anyway….that way God is sure to get the credit. Otherwise, we might be tempted to take some…..