Faithful Provision

“But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” - Psalm 86:15

Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.” His disciples answered, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?” “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.” He told the crowd to sit down on the ground.  Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people.  They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was four thousand men, besides women and children. - Matthew 15:32-38

Many of us are familiar with the story of Jesus feeding the 5000 men in Matthew chapter 14. We've read time and time again how Jesus miraculously provided a meal for thousands of people with a measly basket of bread and fish. But do you realize that this wasn't the only time that Jesus performed this kind of incredible act? 

Soon after that miracle, Jesus and the disciples found themselves in a similar situation in the midst of 4000 hungry men and their families. Not surprisingly, Jesus once again provided in amazing ways. But before He did, His disciples questioned how Jesus could come through for them in the same way. After having just seen Jesus feed more people with less food, they still asked "Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?" (Matthew 15:33).

If I'm being honest, I've been struggling quite a bit recently with the same doubt as the disciples. I’d seen God provide in the past. I've seen Him come through in miraculous ways. I can tell you story after story of God working things out in my life that I never could have orchestrated on my own. And yet for some reason, when I'm faced with circumstances that seem impossible, when I've been praying like crazy for God to grant the desires of my heart, I still doubt that He will.

This is when I’m so grateful for grace. Even though God has proven Himself a thousand times over in my life, He’s still patient and loving towards me when I question His methods and His timing. And He gently reminds me that I can hold firmly to my faith, hope, and confident expectation that He will come through, in His way and in His time. 

Friend, if you’re struggling with doubt, if you’re having a hard time trusting God’s methods and timing, you’re not alone. There is grace for you. And even when you can’t see or understand what He’s doing, God is lovingly and graciously working on your behalf. He will provide all that you need. He provided for the disciples. He provided for the 5000 men and their families. He provided for the 4000 men and their families. And He will provide for you too. You can take that to the bank.