In life’s challenges, Jesus knows already what he will do. Can you trust that he is for you even when circumstances seem to be against you? Can you hang on to God’s promises even when things look impossible? Can you follow him without regard for your own needs? Jesus will always help you to meet the challenges you face when you put your trust in him. 

In today’s scripture the Lord meets one of the three things people are told not to be anxious about in Matthew 6:25-26 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” 

The multitudes were hungry for the Word that Jesus was bringing and perhaps seeking to see a miracle to know that there indeed was a God who cared. They followed Jesus out into the wilderness where there were no provisions for their life. They were looking for more than what this life has to offer and they were not disappointed. As that crowd was forming and following him, can you imagine if they were all concerned about what they were going to eat that day that many would have already turned back or not followed at all? There wasn’t time to prepare a picnic lunch. 

Jesus knew ahead that he was going to meet their need and they did not even ask him to do so. Knowing already what he was going to do, Jesus takes the opportunity to teach his disciples an important life lesson. Something that would help to anchor their faith in him. He demonstrated how much he cared while showing them that he could provide both for the natural needs of man and the spiritual hunger and thirst that people have. He showed them that they do not have to be anxious about where their help comes from, or where their provision comes from, for God knows what He is doing. He rewarded the people that pressed in to know more about God without being concerned about where their next meal was coming from as well.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You that You are inclined to help me even before I ask. Help me become more godly, that is, inclined to help others even before they ask and willing to knock on the doors of heaven asking for extra loaves of bread to share. Help me be more discerning of needs around me. Help me understand, as Jesus did, when the need is for physical bread and/or water and when the need is for every word that proceeds from the mouth of God and for the living water flowing to me, in me, and through me. I confess that I often forget or let the well run dry when I attempt to minister from my own strength rather than from Your Holy Spirit. Help me press in through worship, through Your Word, and through prayer so that I can minister from Your overflow in my life. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

This week, we will be focusing on trusting God in the challenges we face. Today, consider how you can help be the answer for someone else’s challenge, whether that be praying for someone, volunteering to help, or providing resources for a need you are aware of.