Do you ever feel done in, exhausted and ready for a retreat?
Jesus's disciples knew how that felt. One time, fairly early in His ministry, He sent them out to all the surrounding cities, telling them to not even take provisions for themselves. They were to preach, heal and cast out demons. When they came back, their faith was stretched, their eyes were opened to the power of God and they were worn out. Jesus had compassion on them and took them out in the middle of nowhere so they could rest. But it was not to be - Jesus could not be hidden and throngs of people followed them. So Jesus preached & healed. And then all the people were hungry. Now the Son of God could've asked for manna from Heaven or created a banquet in the wilderness. But He didn't. He turned to the disciples. "You feed them," He said.
Any Mom knows the exhaustion that sentence can bring.
Feeding a multitude is no small deal. These men were worn out. But here was Jesus, asking them to serve again and they had nothing to give. They were hoarding the little that was available, trying to refresh themselves with it. But Jesus asked them to give it up. And they did. And we all know what happened after that. Jesus took their little bit of nothing and multiplied it far beyond what was even needed! Everyone was satisfied, everyone was happy. And the disciples learned that it wasn't about them and their lack of strength and resources. It was about Jesus and His ability to make something out of almost nothing.
So next time the tasks pile up and the exhaustion sets in - when you've given almost everything you've got and you're longing for a retreat way out in the middle of nowhere - take it to Jesus. Offer Him your little bit of nothing and sit back and see what He will do.
And be ready to see your faith stretch before your eyes.
9 Comments
8/12/2020 07:47:18 am
Wow, this was so encouraging. I love how you said "Offer Him your little bit of nothing and sit back and see what He will do." It reminds me that Jesus just asks us to come and depend on him. And when we do, he gives us the strength to do what we couldn't otherwise.
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8/12/2020 08:05:24 am
It's amazing what God can do if you're willing, even though you're worn out but still asked to serve in some way!
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8/12/2020 08:06:57 am
I think every woman probably knows about exhaustion, why we have to enter His rest.
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8/12/2020 08:37:52 am
Amen! What a wonderful reminder of what God is capable of doing. A little is definitely much in His hands...
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8/12/2020 03:00:28 pm
Great words. Also encouragement for those who are worn out by chronic illnesses.
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8/12/2020 03:23:37 pm
I really enjoyed reading this article! It is beautifully written and an inspiring reminder to take everything to the Lord; He is our help. Thank you for sharing. 😊🙏🏽
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