The Bread Of Life

The Bread of Life

Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. John 6:11

In two weeks I was to fly to Chiang Mai, Thailand, to speak at my first overseas women’s retreat. Women would be gathering from twenty-five different mission organizations and thirty countries. Many of them had served on the mission field and knew far more than I did about the Bible. The more I labored on the talks, the more my sense of inadequacy grew. O Lord, help! I cried.

My thoughts were directed to the passage I’d read that morning, where Jesus looked out at the massive crowd of hungry people who’d arrived, and the disciples wanted to send them away (see Matthew 14:15). Philip said it would take a small fortune to feed that multitude. But Jesus took five barley loaves and two fish a boy offered and had the people—the men alone numbered five thousand—sit down. After he took the bread and gave thanks, he gave bread to the people; they all ate as much as they wanted, and there were still twelve large baskets filled with leftovers (see John 6:2-11). As I read those verses, I sensed God saying, Offer the bread you have, the messages and words I’ve given you, just like the little boy did. Give it to me, and I will bless it and multiply it to feed all those you speak to in Thailand.

Suddenly my focus began to shift from my inadequacy to Christ’s ability. As I spoke seventeen times in the next two weeks—to missionaries; teachers; children; and Chinese, Thai, and Buddhist people—each time I offered to the Lord my “bread.” And he was faithful to distribute it in the marvelous way only he can do. Over and over I see that whether I’m in South Africa, Zambia, Arkansas, or California, I bring the bread, and Jesus shows up to hand it out to meet the needs of people’s hearts. Be encouraged that he will do the same through you as you give your all to him. —CHERI

Jesus, you can do great things with our little when we give it to you. I offer you all that I am and have for the purposes only you know. When you bring people with needs across my path, use me to touch them with your love and grace. And may it all bring you glory.

I am the vase of God,

He fills me to the brim.

He is the ocean deep,

Contained I am in Him.

—ANGELUS SILESIUS (PSEUDONYM FOR JOHANN SCHEFFLER, 1624–1677), GERMAN MYSTIC-POET