Then His disciples answered Him, "How can one satisfy these people with bread here in the wilderness?" - {Mar 8:4 NKJV}
There really is such a thing as a stupid question. "Where will we get food?" How about the same person who provided it last time? How about the one who gives us bread everyday?
Ugh.
But alas, I am a disciple also. I have my own faithless how's and where's and why's. A lack of trust and blinded eyes will lead to all kinds of ignorance. Lord, help me to trust. To rest in Your all-sufficiency.
He asked them, "How many loaves do you have?" And they said, "Seven." - {Mar 8:5 NKJV}
I would have asked a different question. One with more heat and maybe some sarcasm for good measure. "Weren't you with me on the other side of the lake? Did you sleep through the last miracle feeding, or do you just suffer from short-term memory loss? Has anyone ever gone hungry in my care?"
But not my Jesus. Ever-patient, He is, and always-hopeful. Love, suffering long and kind. Bearing all, believing all, hoping all. Praise God He is! Praise God His nature is not like mine! Dust we'd all be; smote at the first sign of doubt or insolence.
Ugh, again.
But He is this patient with me. He is always waiting for my turning and always with open arms. I need to spend more time with Him and I know He rubs off. My character needs His, and my memory needs reminded of His goodness.
Isn't that sad?
Because sometimes I am surprised by answered prayer. Sometimes I am shocked that He really does hear, He really does respond, and He really does care.
Shocked, forgetful, and thankful.
Bless the LORD, all His works, In all places of His dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul! - {Psa 103:22 NKJV}
{Counting gifts and remembering His goodness with community here.}
Each of us thankful for:
337. friends, and mom and dad
338. swimming lessons
339. sisters doing nails
340. Ethan, making his own breakfast
341. mommy telling me she loves me
342. Oliver, playing with the cat
343. boys, logging adventure
344. the neighbors horses
345. Star Wars
346. sisters learning to 'do hair'
347. friends
348. grandparents and coast trips
349. Uncle Maxx, the yellow lab
350. daddy, excited about his 'new' work truck
351. little boys shooting dad with the squirt gun
352. The Grace of answered prayer, and a friend coming home from the hospital
353. Happy Birthday, Grandpa!
354. the miracle of Grace
