"You have so little faith. Why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14: 31)
This is a well merited reproach from Jesus. After all that He does for me every day, why do I still doubt? Why does doubt instead of trust seem to have been ingrained as a second nature? Why does it seem easier to doubt than to trust God?
Lord Jesus, increase my faith. Make me always aware of your presence.
"Would that we have meat for food! We remember the fish we used to eat without cost in Egypt, and the cucumber, the melon, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now, we are famished; we see nothing before us but this manna." (Number 11: 4 – 6)
The journey to the Promised Land was a test of patience, endurance, faith, courage and humility for the Israelites. It was a very severe test. They failed. They lost their patience in spite of the fact that they still had the manna to eat. They looked back to former days in Egypt. They complained against God and Moses.
The Enterprise is also a severe test. To succeed, I must rely on God for everything. I must trust God to lead and guide me according to His designs. I will depend on God to fight my battles.
"Five loaves and two fish are all we have here. Then he said, 'Bring them here to me." (Matthew 14: 17 – 18)
Bring whatever you have to the Lord. He can multiply it. "Silver and gold I do not have to give. What I have, I give you." Nobody can give that which he has not. We are expected to work with what we have. God is a creator, a multiplier. Small or big before God is the same.
Lord, take and receive all that I am, all that I have. Lead me, guide me and use me.
"What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine or nakedness, or peril, or the sword?" (Romans 8: 35)
Even if the figs do not blossom, even if all support systems fail, I will never doubt God's love for me.
If we live we live, if we perish, we perish.
"Why spend your money for what is not bread; your wages for what fails to satisfy?" (Isaiah 55: 2)
We work very hard and spend what we earn on what does not satisfy. Advertising is great in encouraging us to spend our money on what is not bread. What is essential for life and happiness have been adequately provided by God. Our responsibility is to make sure that everybody gets a fair share.
"All of you who are thirsty, come to the water. You who have no money, come, receive grain and eat. Come, without praying and without cost, drink wine and milk." (Isaiah 55: 1-3)
The best things in life are not only free but abundant. For example:
Father, make us appreciate your gifts. May we never minimize them because they are free and abundant. Teach us to share them with those who need them.
"God our Father, gifts without measure flow from your goodness to bring us your peace. Our life is your gift. Guide our life's journey, for only your love makes us whole. Keep us strong in your love…." (18th Sunday)
As I write this blog today Sunday, it is very beautiful outside. It is sunny, dry and cool.
God's gifts this day:
Thank you Father. Lead me and guide me and use me.
