We only have five loaves of bread and two fish…Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. They all ate and were satisfied and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

Luke 9:13-17 NIV

The crowds followed Jesus—some out of curiosity, others anticipating physical healing. Did their anticipation lead them to understand the spiritual benefits they would also receive?

 After a long day, the disciples noticed the people getting tired and hungry. What to do?

They talked among themselves. They looked around on their own but found only five loaves and two fish. The situation looked hopeless.

As the human frailty of the situation set in, the disciples went to Jesus. They begged him to send the people to the nearby villages for food and lodging, but Jesus had a better plan that gave God glory and defied human logic. The plan allowed the people to stay in his presence and soak up God’s wisdom.

Jesus gave thanks for all they had. Then he divided it all up. After the thousands of people had eaten, the disciples collected the leftovers. I do not know the actual size of those baskets, but they filled twelve, quite a significant number.

I imagine this experience blessed the disciples and the others who experienced it and left them in awe of a merciful, powerful, and wonderful God.

Guess what? That same God cares for us just as much as he did for those on that hillside back then. He wants us to approach him with all our frustrations, needs and cares. He has better answers than we can envision. His wisdom trumps that of our own. What an awesome God!

Oh God, you have our back! We can always go to you. Your open arms give us strength and meet our needs spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. Thank you for your care.

 Susan Partida