For the last few days I have been mulling over a small portion of Scripture – Mark 8: 1-4. We find the disciples with a large crowd following Jesus and a problem arises – the people have nothing to eat. The people have been listening to Jesus for three days and their food had run out.
It is Jesus Himself who is moved to compassion for the people and shares his observation with the disciples, “…they have nothing left to eat” (verse 2).
I love that the disciples ask, “How are we supposed to find enough food to feed them out here in the wilderness?” (verse 4).
It’s the words, “in the wilderness” which struck me to my core. It is on those days when we feel dry and empty that He meets us right where we are. He knows what we need for sustenance and strength. It’s when the need is great and we feel so small that we come to Him to supply our need.
The Israelites, while traveling in the wilderness, were provided manna each day. Manna, perfectly suited for that day. It could not be hoarded and saved for another day. They could only gather the right amount for the present day.
When we are with our backs up against the wall, He has the answer. When our need is too large and we have no resources, He is our Provider. When we have no idea what to do, we are never left alone.
It is when we are in our wilderness that we come to Jesus, much like the disciples and ask, “How do I find what I need in this wilderness?”
Jesus called Himself “The Bread of Life”.
His Word is our manna each day.
He alone knows what we need today.
May we come to Him, with our hearts open asking Him to feed our souls and fill us up.
Today I am joining … Unite and Testimony Tuesday and Intentional Tuesday and True Story .
Michael Card sings of the “painful promise” of the wilderness, and your words remind me that wilderness days were preparation for great things in the life of Jesus and Paul. Thanks for these words that make my heart brave about facing wilderness days – with Him.
Michele, I think you hit on an important point > He prepares us in the wilderness so that we will be prepared and equipped for greater. So glad you shared!
Again, thank you for sharing this info. Bless you.
Joanne, prayed for you before replying. May you be assured that God will give you all that you need for today. One day at a time, sweet friend!
Great “Manna” to help strengthen us in the wilderness of life. Thanks Joanne!
Thank you, Sherry. And the wonderful news is that there is a supply of manna for today as well 🙂
Amen, Joanne. Love your emphasis on the wilderness aspect. Hmm, that’s always been there, hasn’t it? Love how the Word of God never changes, but is always fresh. 🙂 Thanks for sharing. ((grace upon grace))
Brenda, I so agree with you. There is always something new each time we read a portion. I have kept returning to this portion and still am seeing more in it. Have a great Wednesday!
I love how God brought me to your blog tonight because I need these exact words tonight. I an receiving the reminder that God is our Provider and when we have no idea what to do, we are never left alone. Thank you for speaking God’s words into me at the exact time I needed them. God knows!
Mary, you truly have no idea how your comment encouraged me. I am grateful you read the words you needed. Praying this morning for God to continue to provide for your every need!
Love that He knows what we need each day. I pray I always remember in Him alone will I find what I need. Thank you, Joanne, for sharing. : )
Jesus often tried to get away from the crowds so he could rest and pray. The desert was a favorite place where no one else would take his attention away from communion with His Father. Yet here was a crowd who anticipated where he was headed and arrived to meet him – – in this desolate place. Yet He had mercy on the crowd and ministered to them for 3 days and their food was gone. Jesus knew He would supply their need, and it was the disciples who were always in a state of worry and fear. May we trust Him when we find ourselves out in the desert place and realize that He will supply our need and take care of us. Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.
Hazel, I love what you have shared. May we realize anew that there is no need that our God cannot meet. Thank you for always encouraging so many of us!