Slow to Learn

Scripture:
Matthew 15:33 — "The disciples said to Him, ‘Where would we get so many loaves in this desolate place to satisfy such a large crowd?’"

Observation:
Over the last few days (and throughout Scripture) I have read story after story of Christ doing the impossible.  Healing, teaching, and feeding thousands.  Yesterday he walks on water, feeds 5000 men (plus women and children) and heals many.  In today’s reading He heals many and then feeds 4000+.  I get a mental picture of the disciples being the biggest “fans” and being totally into what Christ is doing.  It’s their leader who has the ability to teach, heal, and feed everyone He wishes.  In verse 33 He calls them to action. How do they respond?  They question the ability and opportunity to make it happen.  They have just witnessed miracle after miracle, and then respond in disbelief.  Where was their faith now?

Application:
The first time I read verse 33 I wanted to give the poor disciples a hard time.  Sure they should have responded in belief.  But, I think that I’m quick to forget the times that I have witnessed God do the miraculous in my life or the lives of others.  Have I seen God feed 5000 or heal many?  Maybe not the way that we see it her in Matthew 15, but we see it each and every day in the lives of the people we do life with.  Is it not a miracle that I can witness stories every Sunday of life change with the people of our church?  Or that we could open our church home to over 10,000 on Easter Sunday?  I have become so accustomed to God working in my life … I think that sometimes I simply take it for granted.  We hear of people who have had sickness disappear to the astonishment of doctors.  We are able to see the church impact ministries which feed the hungry and the homeless.  These are not ordinary things or stories … these are miracles.  I pray that I don’t miss or forget what God has and will do in the lives of His people through His people.

Prayer:
Lord, please help me to remember your faithfulness.  Lord, please help me to recall your mighty works.  Without your daily presence in my life I would be a total wreck.  I couldn’t survive.  Please help me to see your hand and work in my life.  When you call me to action please help me to accept the challenge with belief that you are more than enough.  That through you ALL things can be accomplished.  I know that you have called me to a standard in which I would not naturally live.  Lord, please help me to daily die to myself and choose you.  Thank you for choosing me.

— Jason Stoker, middle school pastor, Reservoir campus