The question really is what do we think God can do.
In John 6, the disciples were faced with two seemingly impossible situations that challenged their faith and what they thought God could do.
Jesus challenged them to feed the multitudes and then they were faced with apparent death in the midst of the stormy sea. In both situations their faith was challenged. They were faced with situations that had no obvious answer. In both of these situations, there was no tangible solution for the challenge. What do you do when your need is greater than your supplies? How do you survive in unexpected and life-threatening storms?
Jesus was taking His disciples into a new and deeper life of faith.
He is the great teacher Who wants them to believe and trust God when there is nothing else to base their faith on but God. Jesus wants believers to be strong in faith when their mind does not see a way. He wants us to live in the same faith that He has. Our faith must consider and rely on God’s vast riches and power.
Hebrews 11:1 NIV Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
What do you see? What are you focusing on?
Two events occur in John 6 that challenge the disciple’s faith. What do you do when natural resources are inadequate? What do you do when your life is challenged by natural or unnatural disaster? Jesus is watching how His disciples handle routine and unusual circumstances. What do we do when our faith is challenged? Both of these circumstances appear to be unusual and out of the routine scheme of life.
In life, we are often challenged with overwhelming demands and limited resources.
When the multitude followed Jesus into the desert, everyone was hungry. So Jesus asked His disciples, “Where can we get enough bread, that these may eat?” The text tells us that Jesus already knew what He was going to do. When the disciples looked at the multitude and at their resources, there was no natural way to feed everyone. They did not have enough money and five barley loaves and two small fish were insufficient.
What can be expected of us when we do not have enough to supply the need?
They immediately thought it is impossible. There was no way this could be done with everything that they had on hand.
Was this a realistic request for Jesus to make for them? Did Jesus really expect them to do something about this? They didn’t know how to proceed. The need was obvious, but they didn’t know what to do. Thousands of people were hungry and the disciples did not know what to do.
It is important for us to remember that Jesus’ disciples have already seen amazing miracles and acts of power. As we progress in our life with Jesus, we should grow in faith and trust. Everything that the Lord has done should cause our faith to grow. Every miracle, healing, and word of life should bolster faith. Jesus wants believer’s faith to be filled with expectation for miracles, signs and wonders. This is a matter of faith.
How are we supposed to react when unexpected storms blow in and our usually calm life is disrupted?
We all have unexpected storms blow into our lives. At some point in life, we should begin believing that God is able to do what no one else can do. Our response to crisis and difficulties should be with courage and faith.
Mark 6:45 tells us that Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of Him. This was an activity they had done many times. It does not take much faith to do the things that we usually do.
This time, Jesus was not with them when the storm hit. Matthew, Mark and John tell us it was evening or dark when they were in the middle of the sea, and a great wind was blowing, and the sea arose. Mark tells us that Jesus saw them straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. John tells us they had been rowing the boat for three or four miles.
The last time they were in a boat in a storm, Jesus was with them. Matthew, Mark and Luke tells us that when they thought they were going to die, Jesus spoke “Peace, be still!” and the wind ceased and there was a great calm.
Now they are in the middle of the sea and the storm was raging. Since Jesus was teaching His disciples about faith, did He know what was going to happen? Did Jesus know a storm was coming? Why didn’t He get in the boat with them? How were they supposed to respond to the situation?
Do you ever feel like things just happen without reason? You need to know that nothing just happens in life. You can trust God when unexpected and difficult things happen.
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
We need to know that God is in control and we can trust Him with everything in our lives. God’s plans for us are for good and not for evil. If that is true, then why did they have to face the storm? Do you know that you can trust God with your future?
Job 23:10 NIV said it this way: “But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.”
How can you know that you will come out of this storm?
The Psalmist said it this way: Psalm 37:3 KJV Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
Psalm 37:3 AMP Trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) in the Lord and do good; so shall you dwell in the land and feed surely on His faithfulness, and truly you shall be fed.
They could not find enough resources to feed the multitude. They could not do this without a miracle. They could not do this without God.
They could not make it through that storm alone. In Mark 4, when the storm arose, Jesus was able to speak peace to the wind and waves. Jesus had to be with them for the waves to calm down.
You are not doing this alone.
Jesus is preparing His disciples so they can face storms and impossibilities with faith and not doubt and fear. You need to know that you are not going through the storm alone, the Lord God almighty is walking with you. You can live under the shadow of His protection. He is an ever present help in your marriage, in your family, and in your life!
- Do you know that God is in control?
- Do you know that His resources are available?
- Do you know that what is impossible with man is possible with God?
You can really rely on God to help you when unplanned and unexpected demands come! He can help you through the storms that you face!
Jesus is teaching us how to face life’s storms and impossibilities with faith and trust in God. We need to learn this lesson from Him.
What do you see?
You may not know it, but the Lord is walking in the midst of your storm and situation to help you. What is possible with what you are facing? Is this an opportunity for a miracle? Is this an opportunity for God to be glorified in your life
Phillip could not see how the multitude could be fed. They did not have the funds or resources.
Peter was the only one willing to step out of the boat. Everyone else is hanging on in the boat.
What can be done with what you have available? The disciples focused on what was missing from their situation. This seems hopeless! The multitude was too large and the storm was too strong. It is easy to see impossibilities. It is easy to be overwhelmed with hopelessness from what we see or don’t see.
What made these situations impossible? They were not seeing what Jesus was seeing. The natural man does not understand what God is doing. Get your eyes on the power of God. God is able to help you!
What can God do here, with this, right now? Do you see what is possible with God?
When our faith is being challenged, we need to recall what God has already done. You don’t have to do a complete survey of the Bible. They just needed to remember what the Lord had been doing.
When they were in the storm, Mark 6:52 tells us, they were utterly astounded, for they had not understood about the loaves. What does that mean? Jesus had already shown Himself strong in many ways.
When you face the storm, you should remember what the Lord has done. This was not the first time that Jesus showed His power in the storm.
Mark 4:38-40 happened before this event in John 6.
Mark 4:38-40 NKJV But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”
When you are facing a shortage or you are going through a storm, remember God’s power and what He can do. What can God do with the situation you are facing? Your problem is not too big for God. The God Who helped you in the past can help you today. God is interested and concerned over every detail of your life.
Matthew 6:26 NKJV Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
Matthew 10:30 NKJV But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
What does that mean? God is watching over you! Your impossibility is an opportunity for a miracle. Have faith in God and not just in your possessions or circumstances. What God can do is beyond what you see!
We need to get a hold on Philippians 4:6-7.
Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 NKJV And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Do you believe it?
After the answer comes, it is easy to say, “I knew it would happen.” We have to believe when we do not see.
Jesus prepared for the miracle! Jesus told the disciples to get the people ready for a meal. Everyone sat down with anticipation for a banquet. Then Jesus took what they had. It did not matter how small it was. Then He blessed it and started breaking it. He did not consider how little there was. He knew there was enough.
What did God do when He created this universe and all that is in it? Did God worry that there was nothing to start with? Did He pause and consider the impossibility of what He was about to do? With God, all things are possible. Jesus was not overwhelmed with despair and hopelessness because there was so little to work with.
What is possible with five loaves and two fish? Jesus could hold it all in the palm of His hand. He was not disturbed by the wind and the waves. He rose up and started walking above the waves. He was not frightened by the wind.
Job 42:2 NKJV I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.
Psalm 24:1 NKJV The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.
Psalm 31:19 NKJV Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men!
Psalm 37:5 NKJV Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.
Proverbs 3:5 NKJV Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
Philippians 4:19 NKJV And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Job 42:2 NKJV I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.
Have you seen the storm waves and felt the blowing winds? It is disturbing watching them. Your heart can fail you for fear of the things that are coming on this earth.
Have you felt inadequate for your situation? You wonder what can be done. This is going to take more than you have.
You need to know that the Lord is watching over you and He is a very present help in your time of trouble.
Has God set you up for a miracle? Get ready, the wind and waves are about to disappear. The demands on your resources are small things with God. You don’t have to know how He will do it, you just need to put your trust in God.
