-Strength for Today- “When Things Seem Impossible" - John 6:1-14.

   All of us at some point in our life have had our backs plastered to the walls of life, where “we don't know which way to turn.” John chapter 6 is the story about Jesus feeding the five thousand. You might say, “I know that story.” But do you understand “the principles” that’re being taught in this passage? I say this because, the way that we can understand “the importance of these faith principles,” is the way “that you and I practice them” 

Even Jesus’ disciples struggled with doubt and fear in times of trouble or uncertainty. Though they walked closely with the Savior, they were still prone to casting their focus in the wrong direction. 

Just before He was about to perform the miracle of feeding the 5,000, Jesus tested Philip by asking him “Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?”  I want to add here that Phillip “wasn't spiritually tuned in” to the fact that “He who asked that question was “the One, who fed the whole nation of Israel, when they were in the desert, “manna from heaven” (Numbers 11:1-9), was He who stood in his present, “The bread of Life.” 

Philip's response revealed “that he was thinking of solving the dilemma through man’s ideas and worldly means.” At the same time, Andrew was busy surveying the multitude to determine how he would approach the situation. Upon finding a young boy with five loaves and two fish, he demonstrated his own limited mindset by asking, “What are these for so many people?” - John 6:9. 

As was true for all of His miracles, Jesus performed this amazing feat of “compassion” and “provision,” by displaying “who He was,” and “always would be.” And the same Jesus Christ “who fed 5,000 with five loaves and two fish,” will act on our behalf “when situations seem impossible.” 

So, in difficult times, “when it seems all hope is lost,” try not to “assess your circumstances from a worldly perspective.” And most importantly don’t ask, “What am I going to do?” Rather, “in a spirit of faith,” simply say, “Lord, what are You going to do?” Remember, He tells us to “cast all of our cares upon Him because He cares for us” - 1 Peter 5:7. 

So, avoid attempting “to engineer your circumstances.” Because the virtues of “patience,” “faith,” and “waiting upon the Lord” will help you to know God’s “grace” and “experience His love” and “miraculous touch in your life.” 

 Author: Plez Lovelady, Jr., PhD