John 6 “How vs. Who”
January 16th, 2009It’s easy to understand how the disciples might have been concerned – a massive crowd following Jesus needed to be fed and their only supply of food was a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish. Maybe a select few would actually be able to eat.
John 6:5 NKJV
Jesus saw the multitude approaching him and tested Philip with a question: “He said to Philip, ‘Where shall we buy bread that these may eat?’”
Jesus was not as concerned with the how of securing the bread, but was more focused on the where. Meanwhile, Philip and another disciple, Andrew, replied to Jesus with all the reasons why the existing supply of food was insufficient and the problem loomed large.
Oftentimes, we find ourselves in a difficult or devastating situation and ask God how to escape. We can get lost in asking God why, wishing to be rescue, or offering our own resolution. We may provide more reasons of why certain solutions won’t work and overanalyze the process. Or we may simply resign and give up. But God wants to test us – often by questioning not the how, but the where – in this case, even the Who – the solution will come from, God Himself.
We see that Jesus was able to feed over five thousand that day and still had leftovers.
Is God testing you during the fast? As you pray for relationships, finances, or work, shift your focus from the solution you think is needed to who can supply the best solution for your life. Think not of the how, but the Who.
January 16th, 2009 at 10:46 am
Since I started this fast the enemy has started attacking what I call ‘weak links’ in my life- not people who are weak in their faith necessarily, but links that I am weak in- people close to me who have the most opportunity to aggravate or offend me.
John Bevere calls offense the ‘bait of satan’ and the enemy is definitely trying to use it against me during this fast. I’m sure I’m not the only one who is experiencing increased tension in their household with spouses, kids, significant others.
While I have no issues with holding grudges or staying offended (God delivered me of that a long time ago), my prayer is for those who do.
Nothing blocks the move of God more than people with unforgiveness in their heart- unforgiveness ties God’s hands.
During this fast in order to truly hear from God we have to get rid of the blockages !!
As Jesus said in the gospels, “… if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions.”
Lord God, only You can break the chains of bondage that bind believers from true freedom in You through forgiveness of others and ourselves!
January 17th, 2009 at 12:40 am
amen Martin!!!!!! c ya Sunday at that amazing place we call Celebration!