John 6: 7-9 5/14/2019*

"Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?”"

Your perception of God will dictate whether you look for problems or possibilities when God speaks.

Jesus had just suggested that the disciples provide lunch for over 5,000 people. Philip immediately pointed out the financial impossibility of the proposal and waited for plan “B”.

However, Andrew began looking around for a way to make it happen. He was aware of the challenges, but he seemed more aware of the power of the one who had suggested the plan. 

What is your default response when God issues a challenge in your life?

If your “go to” answer is, “that’s impossible” …then your perception of God is too small.

If it is God’s plan…why waste time worrying about the negatives, and the hurdles, and the things that will make it difficult? That is not your problem. Your problem is finding the way that God has made for you to do what He has told you to do…. even if it seems impossible.

Jesus wasn’t looking for advice. He was aware of the boy’s basket of food when He asked the question. Jesus was testing Philip’s faith. His question, and the miracle that followed, would sharpen Philip and make him a more powerful man of God. Many people were impacted by that picnic but none more than Philip.

So, how is your faith? …When God says move do you look for pathways or problems? Do you see opposition or opportunity?

If God has allowed a challenge in your life today look around …there is an answer…what He has provided may seem insignificant to you but He can make a banquet from a sack lunch…so just bring Him what you have and stand back and watch what God will do with a small act of obedience.

“Faith isn't the ability to believe long and far into the misty future. It's simply taking God at His Word and taking the next step.”

-      Joni Erickson Tada