2008-04-18 08:43:00
"But what are they among so many?" (John 6:9).
Many years ago I read an inspiring mission story that I have never forgotten and hope I never do. I wish I had my pastor's clipping and filing disciplines as I sure would like to read the entire article again!
It was about a man who had a very severe disability that greatly limited his ability to function. Yet he had a love for the Lord and a giving heart toward missions. He was determined to do what he could to support the worldwide cause of Christ.
At his request he was positioned under a walnut tree where he sat on the ground. One by one he laboriously picked up walnuts that would then be sold and the proceeds given to missions.
Most every reader in this encouragement series has heard of Fanny Crosby. She died in 1915 but her songs have endured and are still sung in churches all around the world. When we lived in New England we often drove through Bridgeport, Connecticut on I-95 where Fanny Crosby's body was laid to rest. This simple inscription is written on her tombstone: "She hath done what she could."
Fanny Crosby was blind from infancy. But she allowed God to use her gift of words put to music and has impacted many generations for Christ. No trace of bitterness is evident in her song texts and I don't believe they existed. She didn't live out her life wallowing in regrets or torment herself with the defeatist mind game, “What if?” She indeed did what she could.
Do you recognize the daily Scripture portion? I purposefully selected a short phrase from the verse apart from the context. The disciples were confronted with a great need of how to feed the multitude. Philip did some quick math and determined the immensity of the food deficit. I appreciate people that can do quick mental math calculation.
Andrew found a little lad with five small barley loaves and two small fish and brought him to the Lord. As Andrew looked at the apparent inadequacy of the food resource he realistically observed: "But what are they among so many?" I may not be quick at math like Philip but I realize that I am a lot like Andrew in my analytical approach to problems.
Jesus didn't answer Andrew's question but merely instructed: "Have the people sit down." Then He commenced with the marvelous, miraculous feeding of the five thousand. What little food supply the lad provided was more than enough since God was in it.
God purposes to use each of us for His cause regardless of our apparent limitations. So what is the lasting answer to the question, "but what are they among so many?" It is always "absolutely adequate" when God is in it! Stay faithful to your call and mission today.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Almighty God, help us not to look at the immensity of the task before us, but help us to look at the immensity of our all-powerful God. With humankind many things are impossible but with You, our Father, nothing is impossible. We want to trust You for supernatural workings in our lives and in the duties before us. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.
Chaplain Stephen and Brooksyne Weber serve with Transport for Christ. Click here to contact the Webers.
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