For those with a resource gap

If you find yourself in the midst of a resource gap, have you worked out what to do it? It could be that your discomfort in the situation gives way to the comfort of knowing God’s presence might well mean provision too.

—

I’m ‘walking’ slowly through the gospel of John at the moment. It can be easy in the busyness to quickly read a bit of the bible or go back to the familiar passages and get going with the next thing. Taking time to sit and read a verse at a time is like taking a long drink of refreshing water on a hot day.

“Taking time to sit and read a verse at a time is like taking a long drink of refreshing water on a hot day.”

So, this week I have been strolling through John 6 and the feeding of the 5000. It’s a familiar passage to many. Perhaps one of the most famous ‘signs’ recorded in John. Since the passage is familiar, I wanted to approach it with openness and ask God to speak to me, not assuming that I knew it all.

I believe God drew my attention to a couple of aspects of the account which I believe will be an encouragement for others as it was me, which is why I’m writing about it here.

A resource gap

If the cost of living has gone up for you, or you’re worrying about bills, wondering about your business finances, or feel that there’s a resource gap, then this account of Jesus’ provision will be an encouraging passage to chew on and pray over.

Now step back, don’t forget that the passage points to the bigger picture, the fact that through Jesus’ body, there is the provision of salvation to all who believe and trust in Jesus. There’s a gulf between us and God, but through Jesus, the bread of life, He is sufficient to satisfy our eternal need and he bridges the gap through his body broken for you and me.

But the passage also reminds us that God is our provider in a more practical and material way too.

Disclaimer: this isn’t an exegesis of the passage, you can go to the commentaries for that. In fact, if you haven’t come across biblegateway or bible hub, then bookmark them now. You can dig as deep as you want to go using tools like these. This article is simply a reflection to encourage you on. To lift your sights, as it did mine, in this challenging season for all when the resource gap is real.

Is there enough?

“Jesus is the good shepherd who provides for our need (Psalm 23.1), who guides us (Ps 23.2) who leads us (Ps 23.2), who refreshes us (Ps 23.3), who protects us (Ps 23.4). ”

Notice first that Jesus asked Philip a rather ‘cheeky’ question in verse 5, ‘where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?’. Hope that’s not irreverent to say ‘cheeky’, but when you realise in v.6, ‘he already had in mind what he was going to do’, you understand what I mean. You can almost see a glint in Jesus’ eye as he says it. Jesus wanted to use this opportunity to ‘test’ Philip. Jesus already knew how it was going to play out. The result was assured, but there was a learning opportunity for Philip (and the other disciples actually) along the way.

Pause for a minute: I wonder, if you knew that the other side or outcome of the test you’re in is assured and safe in Jesus hands. Would that make you relax a bit more into trusting Jesus? Would it change your perspective? Would your discomfort at the situation give way to the comfort of his presence?

Anyway, I think what happens next reveals a couple of things that might resonate. Notice how Philip and Andrew respond to the situation:

Philip (v.7) – ‘it would take more than half a year’s wages to buy everyone lunch’ (paraphrase). Andrew (v.8) – ‘here’s a boy with a packed lunch, but this won’t feed everyone, maybe 5 people, not 5000 people!’ (again, paraphrased).

Let’s stay there for a moment.

How can we summarise both of these responses, because they are subtly different. Philip – ‘we don’t have enough money’. Andrew – ‘we don’t have enough food’. They see the need. They see the resources in their hands. There’s a gulf between the two. Does that sound familiar? We see the need. We see the resources in our hands. The distance between the two feels insurmountable. But then, as we know from the story as it unfolds, Jesus takes what has been brought (the loaves and fishes) and the food is multiplied and everyone is fed.

Philip and Andrew say, ‘we don’t have enough’. Jesus says, ‘I am enough’. He actually says I am the bread of life (6.35) and other ‘I am’ statements throughout John, but the point is: Jesus is enough to save our souls. Jesus is enough when we’re out of money. Jesus is enough when we can’t pay the bills. Jesus is enough when we can’t buy the food we need. Jesus is enough when we don’t know what to do. Jesus is the good shepherd who provides for our need (Psalm 23.1), who guides us (Ps 23.2) who leads us (Ps 23.2), who refreshes us (Ps 23.3), who protects us (Ps 23.4).

Look to Jesus

Look to Jesus because he is sufficient to provide for your needs this Christmas.

He taught the disciples to pray ‘give us today our daily bread’. In a western country where we are amongst the richest people on the planet, it’s easy to go a few days, weeks, maybe years without having to think about needing God’s daily provision. More of us are now in a situation where the veil is being pulled back. We’re being reminded that we always have been dependent on God for our daily needs, we may not have acknowledged it as readily or as clearly before. 

If you’re in the midst of a resource gap in your home life or in your business or in your leadership, take your need to the Lord today. In faith, bring what you have to him and expect him to do something miraculous with it.