Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people.  – Matthew 14:19 (NLT)

It was late. It was getting dark. The crowd had followed Jesus to a desolate place and now they were hungry. (Matthew 14:13-21)

There were no grocery stores or fast food in that area!

So the disciples proposed sending the crowd away to find their own food. Instead, Jesus asked the disciples to feed the crowd themselves. When they objected that they had only five loaves and two fish, Jesus asked them to bring the bit of food they had to him. When they gave him the loaves and fish, he gave his next instruction to the crowd:

“Sit down on the grass.”

Jesus ordered the crowd to reposition themselves. Move from standing to sitting. Breathe deeply. Relax. Expect something good to happen.

Jesus took the five loaves and two fish; he looked up to heaven and gave thanks. Jesus multiplied the food, and there were twelve baskets left over once the disciples had distributed it to the crowd.

Notice that the disciples suggested doing what’s practical but Jesus had a miraculous way, a better way: Give thanks even when you’re facing adversity; look up to God.

When you’ve been standing on the Word for so long and it doesn’t seem to be enough, you need to do this:

Sit down!
Rest.
Reposition yourself.
Put your trust in God even if it appears to be too hard or too late.

God can give you an outcome that’s beyond what you can think of.

Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to help me to keep my eyes on you for my needs and when I face adversity. When I’m tired of the fight, help me to remember that I can sit down and rely on you. Grant me the strength to rest in you, in Jesus’ name.

by Fab Batsakis
used by permission

FURTHER READING

Resting, Knowing, Waiting

Wait and He Will Help

Resting in the Faithfulness of God

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