Let Nothing Be Wasted

In John 6 verses 1 to 12 we read that a great crowd estimated in the thousands was following Jesus because they have seen the miraculous signs he performed on the sick. We also read that Jesus fed about five thousand men with a little boy lunch of five small barley loaves and two small fish. Verses five and six state, “When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Phillip ‘Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?' He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do?” How do you understand the verses you just read? Doesn't it look like an impossible situation to deal with? And would you have had a positive and faith filled answer to Jesus' question, if you were Phillip, because you knew what to do?

The Word of God says that Jesus asked Philipp the question, where shall we buy bread for these people to eat although he knew already what he was going to do. What can we all learn from all this? I see two sides to this story, the human and the divine. I think that God likes to watch our attitudes and reactions by testing us, questioning us and picking our brains to see what we would say or do in circumstances or situations that life brings our way. On the human side I can see that I would have had the same reaction as Phillip. I probably would have say, where are we going to find the money, and how are we going to buy food to feed all these people at the last minute?

But you see, often our human reactions cause us to feel fearful, threatened, intimidated and burdened by challenging life's circumstances. I could see that not only Philipp didn't have a clue about what to do, but he also didn't think to put his mind and trust first on God the Almighty Father who knows all things. Don't we often all act that way? Are you also dealing with life's challenges that are causing you to think negatively and leading to go to all the wrong places looking for solutions before going to God and surrendering all to him?

We can see in those passages that the little boy's fish and loaves were needed. Hungry and needy people were all around in Jesus' time and they are still in ours. The fish and loaves needed to be broken and passed around to be useful to the Master and for others to experience the miracle. It is like Father using our broken life testimonies to bring life and hope to others. The participation of the disciples in distributing and gathering was necessary to accomplish what God will do. It looks to me like us participating in the Father's work through and with Jesus. Jesus needed to receive the fish and the loaves with a thankful heart and attitude to spiritually see and have the physical manifestation of the miraculous in his life. It is the same with us. But above all, they all needed God the Father and the Holy Spirit Father power to multiply the food and provide exceedingly and abundantly all that was needed for the work at hands.

That little story reinforces in me that we are all part of the team with a role to play. Everyone has something to offer. We are all of service to the Master. We should be content where we are in life when we believe in Jesus and follow him. We are part of his body and our destiny is in him because he fills everything everywhere with himself.

God does what God wants and chooses whom he chooses for the job he qualifies the person for. Our destiny is chosen by God. He created us and he knows our character, strength and heart. He also has a job and a path to follow for all his children. So when you are dealing with life challenges that seem impossible to tackle on your own, and you don't see any positive outcome, put your trust first in God and always remember that nothing we go through is a waste when we walk with the Master.

Father loves us all. Let these words of Jesus be a refreshing balm on your heart and rings true to you as well. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted (John 6:12).” We must always trust God in everything we go through and for everything. God's way and directed path for our lives are always the best because he loves us. The only thing Father asks of us is that we trust him, do what he says, and love him with all our mind, soul, strength and heart.

Everything works together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them (Romans 8:28). As Father helps us and tells us to gather the broken pieces of our lives, he is also telling us to let nothing we go through be wasted. He is teaching us. When we surrender willingly to him, we are learning and are being conformed to the image of Jesus from glory to glory. Glory to God! Hallelujah!

Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and obey it! (Luke 11:28)

Marie Monaus 16 May '09