FollowingJesus.me

When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, ‘Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?’ He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.” – John 6:5-6

John, in his gospel, is about to recount one of Jesus’ miracles, the “feeding of the five thousand.” He prefaces the story with this phrase, “He (Jesus) already had in mind what he was going to do.” Think about that for a moment. He already had in mind what he was going to do.

A problem is arising, but Jesus has a plan. An impossible situation is about to unfold; one that the disciples are confounded by. They have no answer, no solution, they are no help. But it is ok, because Jesus has a plan, even before the crowd arrives. As the story unfolds, Jesus takes five small barley loaves and two small fish and makes it enough to feed the 5,000+ and still has TWELVE full baskets left over.

I am convinced and convicted by these words today, “Jesus already has a plan.” Life regularly does not go the way I expect. Problems and “impossible” situations come up and I am left reeling. I look around and there is not enough; not enough of me, not enough time, not enough money, not enough strength, etc. I am lacking. But, it is ok, because Jesus has a plan. Jesus sees my need and already has in mind what he is going to do. He may or may not tell me that plan.

He may ask me to start passing out the 5 loaves and two fish when it is clearly not enough. He may ask me to take another step forward with Him though I may not see where my feet are supposed to land. Just like with Philip, Jesus may “test” me, but He already has a plan for me and for this situation.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for your encouraging reminder today that you see me, you see my life, and you have a plan. I know that I am your child, your beloved, and that you are always with me. But sometimes I forget. Thank you for not pushing me away, but for gently drawing me back and reminding me that you are here. Help me to know you more and trust you more. Help me to know that whether I see it or not, you have a plan; you see my situation and you already have in mind what you are going to do. Father, I thank you and I love you. Thank you for loving me!