This Is A Test

MAY 9 - This Is A Test...  John 6:1-24

Scripture Reading – Judges 9:1-57 / John 6:1-24 / Psalm 58:1-11

Jesus asked Philip in John 6:5 about where they could buy bread to feed the crowd of 5,000 plus. Of course Jesus knew the answer yet he asked Philip in order to test him. (v.6) How many times are our lives “tested”?  Take heart, Jesus had a plan in place for feeding the 5,000 and He has a plan in place for you.

Interestingly, Philip did not answer the “where” question but was concerned about the “how”. Buying the needed amount of bread would cost more than 8 months wages. Never fear though, Simon Peter had an answer to Christ’s question. He informed Jesus a boy was found with 5 loaves of bread and 2 small fish yet confessed they were of little to no value compared to the enormous need.

The great tests in life usually find us with “no money” and “little provisions”.  We have no answer for the test question… we don’t have a clue let alone a good guess to the “how’s” and “where’s”.  Our hearts collapse in fear and our minds race with anxiety. I’m thankful that I don’t have to have all of the “answers”. I take my best guess and by faith wait for His correct answer and perfect solution.

During times of testing, we need to have a teachable spirit. God’s tests are designed to teach us what we need to know, not necessarily reveal what we do know. Tests reveal our frailty and our need for Him. Tests strip us of our so called strengths and establish a new set of God infused strengths that become a solid foundation that will stay firm in the midst of the most devastating of floods.

After the 5,000 were fed, Jesus had the disciples gather the leftover bread and they filled 12 baskets. Why…to show them that the miracle superseded the need.  Give Him everything you have – the more and the less – He will use it for your good. The bread that “wasn’t enough” became the bread that was “more than enough” after Jesus blessed and multiplied it.

Let me encourage you today to also gather up the leftovers that you find in your life. The blessings of God are there, don’t overlook or minimize them. They are reminders of His provision and faithfulness. So take heart when it is examination time… God has an answer for you… and His answers are always perfect!