March 11, 2013

John 6:9-11
There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes:  but what are they among so many?  And Jesus said, "Make the men sit down.  Now there was much grass in the place.  So the men sat down, in number about 5,000.  And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.

Christ teaches us that if we accept Him into our hearts, we are never alone in our journey through life.  Through all of the cares, worries, and struggles which face us all, He is our constant companion and partner if we just remember to rely on Him.

For mere mortals, life presents a continuously changing set of opportunities or challenges.  Virtually all of us have seen or experienced situations in which there seemed to be no available option for success, no possible end to daily frustrations, or perhaps, even not enough conceivable emotional or physical stamina to take the next step.  

During these times, it may be a natural human reaction to feel that God is very distant.  If we have prayed and asked for His intervention, it can be difficult to believe He has heard us at all.  We may acknowledge His presence and power, but still wrestle with the feelings that we have been forsaken.  However, these are the precise times which challenge us to acknowledge that, while His response may not yet be apparent or understood, He can still be hard at work.

The familiar stories from the Bible that we have heard since childhood all too often point to amazing acts or accomplishments which could unnecessarily define or restrict our expectations for "miraculous" events.  Whether we recall Lazarus rising from the dead, or feeding thousands with simple loaves and fishes, we may then internally require a certain "scope" or "degree of difficulty" to consider His responses to us as miraculous.

The truth is, however, that we may have received a miracle even when we don't recognize it at the time.  Sometimes, He may orchestrate events through others by way of caring, supportive interactions with us.  A kind word of encouragement, a helping hand whether given or received when in need, or a simple second-chance opportunity to start afresh may all evolve from a simple, instantaneous, individual blessing; a true "miracle" for you and others.

Remember - the "bread of life" is not limited to just those familiar loaves for the multitudes.  It is also the eternal chain of compassion, forgiveness, and renewed strength.

~Peggy Ferguson

Executive Administrative Assistant

Readings

Jeremiah 16:10-21

Psalms 89:1-18 or 89:19-52

Romans 7:1-12

John 6:1-15