He Provides

Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. (John 6:11-13)

My grandfather was a textile worker struggling to provide for a family of seven during the Great Depression. When doctors diagnosed one of the children with scarlet fever, they quarantined the family. With my grandfather not being able to work, it put an even greater strain on the family.

One night, the family sat down to a meal of cornbread and maple syrup. It was the only food in the house and there was no money to buy more. As was his custom, my grandfather gave thanks before each meal. On this night, he said, “Children, I wish we had more to eat, but we are going to give thanks anyway.”

The family bowed their heads while he blessed the food. During the prayer, someone knocked at the door. When he finished praying, Papaw instructed my mother (who was the oldest child) to answer. She opened the door to see three or four men from their church. Their arms were laden with sacks of groceries and even though a quarantined notice was on the door, they were not afraid to enter.

Several members of the church came together to provide for a family in need. Times were difficult and I’m sure these people also struggled to provide for their families. No doubt, God blessed them for their generosity just as He did the churches in Macedonia. We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord…(2 Corinthians 8:1-3)

When Jesus fed the 5000, he did so miraculously. While He is still able to do that today, but He has also called us to be His hands and feet. My prayer is that I am always ready to answer His call.

Father, I admit that both in times of need and times of plenty I have not been generous. I have been fearful that you would not provide – even though you have proved to be my provider many times over. I ask for your forgiveness and I pray for discernment when you call upon me to help with the needs of others. I thank you for being my provider . In Jesus name, amen.