About this time another large crowd had gathered, and the people ran out of food again. Jesus called his disciples and told them, “I feel sorry for these people. They have been here with me for three days, and they have nothing left to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will faint along the way. For some of them have come a long distance.” His disciples replied, “How are we supposed to find enough food to feed them out here in the wilderness?” Jesus asked, “How much bread do you have?” “Seven loaves,” they replied. So Jesus told all the people to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves, thanked God for them, and broke them into pieces. He gave them to his disciples, who distributed the bread to the crowd. A few small fish were found, too, so Jesus also blessed these and told the disciples to distribute them. They ate as much as they wanted. Afterward, the disciples picked up seven large baskets of leftover food. There were about 4,000 men in the crowd that day, and Jesus sent them home after they had eaten.

Mark 8:1-9

Dear God, I don’t have any fancy, deep and meaningful thoughts about this passage this morning. I just have the knowledge that we had to cancel the monthly food truck distribution at First Baptist Church because of ice and there are people who will get about 70 lbs. less food this morning because we cannot be there. Some of them have bare cupboards. Some of them live in the country and have no electricity. Some of them are scared. Some of them are in legitimate physical danger. 

Father, as Jesus did for this crowd, have mercy on them. My wife and I have some resources. Show us how to use them. Make it very clear to us how to reach out. But regardless, please meet these needs. Meet the needs for food. Multiply what is in their cupboards for your glory’s sake. Help the CTEC people trying to restore power so that the people can defend their homes against this cold weather. We are not as strong as we think we are. Help us to embrace that idea, submit to that idea, and lean on you for our provision. Through this pain, bring revival, even in my own heart.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen