This Is How Jesus Strengthened His Disciples Faith

John 6:5-6 - Therefore Jesus, lifting up His eyes and seeing that a large crowd was coming to Him, said to Philip, "Where are we to buy bread, so that these may eat?"  
This He was saying to test him, for He Himself knew what He was intending to do. NASU 

• Ask Them Questions About Impossible Situations 

The impossible situation the disciples were facing was the feeding of the 5,000. Jesus asks Philip, "Where are we to buy bread, so that these may eat?"
 
Jesus was testing Philip and all the disciples who were there. Philip does a quick head count and tabulation and his answer is "200 denarii worth of bread is not sufficient…"
 
I find that Andrew gives the most amusing answer when he says, "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people."  
 
If the other disciples have any suggestions they are not recorded for us. There is a lot to be said for not opening your mouth. One thing for sure you can't stick your foot in your mouth if you don't open it. 

• What Was The Purpose Of Jesus' Questions? 

Jesus knew He was going to work a miracle. Jesus was going to show His disciples that when you have impossible situations before you, that is when you must trust in God for help.
 
Why is it so hard for us to trust in God?
 
I have been associated with college wrestlers for 29 years. Here is my observation: the wrestlers depend on their training partners and their coaches. If some of the toughest guys on earth display for us how to trust others then why won't we display trust in God.
 
Jesus trusted God and that is the example we are to follow today. Trust God. It is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of faith and intelligence.
 
Jesus' question about how to feed the 5,000 was to strengthen the disciple's faith. 

• What Is Your Impossible Situation? 

From time to time we find ourselves in some very difficult situations. Maybe you have said, "Why is God letting this happen to me?"  My answer would be, "How else can He show you that He is helping you?"
 
You find yourself in an impossible situation and the next thing you know, you're out of it.
 
It then dawns on you: God was involved in your situation.
 
I saw a saying online that goes like this:
I asked God, "Why are you taking me through rough waters?
He replied, "Because your enemies can't swim." 

Trust God even when it doesn't make sense.

• Barb's Friend 

Barb had lunch with one of her good friends the other day. When she came home she told me about one of their conversations.

The friend's son and daughter-in-law were trying to have a baby for a couple of years. I will not go into all of the details but there were lots of obstacles in their way.

Finally, the son said to his wife, "We will turn it over to God and accept His will."
 
She is now pregnant and due any day.
 
What is your situation? Here is a solution: "Turn it over to God, and then wait patiently."
 
Think On This:
 
It is not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it.

Stay Pumped,

Gary A. Serago

Minister of God's Word

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