Have you ever desired victory in an area but felt that your experience was one of continual defeat? It’s not for lack of trying, because the Lord knows you’ve tried. Rather, you’ve discovered that the problem is deeper–one of the heart–one you’re completely incapable of solving on your own.
Well, I relate.
Despite my best efforts, my ability to solve this issue has fallen desperately short. I know I can’t, so hopelessness came knocking, Thankfully, God answered with a sweet revelation out of John 6.
Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for Him. Turning to Phillip, he asked, “Where can we buy bread for all these people?” He was testing Phillip, for He already knew what He was going to do.
Phillip replied, “Even if we worked for months, we wouldn’t have enough money to feed them!”
Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. “There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?”
“Tell everyone to sit down,” Jesus said. So, they all sat down on grassy slopes. (The men alone numbered about 5,000.) Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward, He did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. After everyone was full, Jesus told His disciples, “Now gather the leftovers, so nothing is wasted.” So, they picked up the pieces and filled twelve baskets…” JOHN 6: 5-13 (NLT)
Often, I focus on the wonderful ending of this story. However, this time, I was struck by the beginning.
Jesus asked Phillip, knowing full well that Phillip couldn’t but He could. It was a test, and thankfully, Phillip honestly and humbly confessed to his Lord, “Even if we worked for months, we wouldn’t have enough…” And, what was Jesus’ response? Was he disappointed in Phillip? Was He angry that Phillip couldn’t produce what was needed to rectify the problem? No. Instead, Jesus commanded, “Sit down.” So, Phillip sat and waited on Jesus, because the miracle was always Jesus’ to perform.
Friends, I hope you’re getting what I’m saying. Do you have a BIG problem? Have you tried and tried, struggled, and relentlessly toiled against it, hoping it would budge? Do you believe that if you just tried harder, THEN you’d be free of it? Then let me tell you what Jesus told His early disciple and me:
Sit down.
Yes–sit down on grassy slopes and wait for power from on high. Wait for your sweet Savior to do what YOU COULD NEVER do in months or years of self effort. Jesus is not the least bit disappointed in your impotence and weakness. He only presented you with this problem, so you could accept your inability and wait patiently and expectantly for His salvation. So, let’s confess, “Lord, even if we worked for months, we wouldn’t have enough…” Then, let’s sit down, rest, and wait.
Jesus will do it.
When He does, we can distribute what He’s given us to a hungry multitude.
All praise to Him Who performs on our behalf–Jesus is His Name! Amen!
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14
“Human effort accomplishes nothing.” John 6:63 (NLT)
“He lets me rest in green meadows…” Psalm 23:2 (NLT)
“‘Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6
“So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord.” Lamentations 3:26 (NLT)
