“This is a remote place,” [the disciples] said, “and it’s already very late. Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But [Jesus] answered, “You give them something to eat” (Mark 6:35-37).
O God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, You are the All-Sufficient God—You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing (Psalm 145:16). It is You who gives... the true bread from heaven (John 6:32).
Father, You see the world through eyes of love and compassion. Where we see unwelcome responsibility, overwhelming demands, impossible needs, You see hungry souls, harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36).
While we are preoccupied with obstacles, and inconveniences, and limitations, You refocus our vision with Your simple instruction, "You give them...," desiring to dispense Your abundance through our willing hands. You spread an open table, and declare, “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! (Isaiah 55:1).
Give us Your heart O Lord! We are so hemmed in by our human boundaries! Teach us to minister in true faith, in Your Name and power. Take us beyond the instinctive reaction to "send the people away" when possibilities seem scant, when prospects seem remote.
Whether it's a crowd Lord, or that one person who needs us, help us to see beyond our uncontested limits. Limits of time. Limits of resources. Limits of patience. Limits of love.
Teach us right priorities. Help us to see before us, not ordinary people, but souls we can refresh with a cup of water, a drop of grace, a word of encouragement.
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