JESUS SPEAKING
And he left them, and getting in to a boat again (with his disciples), departed to the other side. Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, and they did not have more than one loaf with them in the boat. Then he charged them, saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “It is because we have no bread.” But Jesus being aware of it, said to them, “Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened? Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?” They said to Him, “Twelve.” “Also when I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?” And they said, “Seven.” So he said to them, “How is it you do not understand?” (Mark 8: 13 – 21.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
Shortly after feeding four thousand people with seven loaves of bread, Jesus warned his disciples to beware of doubtful thoughts. Despite having just witnessed God’s heavenly provision, the disciples began to fear that they had not brought enough food for their journey. The Lord addressed their uncertainties by reminding them of his previous miracles. On two separate occasions he had fed thousands with scarcely enough food to feed a small family. If doubts arise within our hearts and minds, they can quickly be eradicated by recalling the many miracles God has performed for us in the past.
In church I once heard a man give his personal testimony. As a youth he had been hopelessly addicted to drugs and his life was unmanageable. Eventually he received Jesus Christ as his Lord and savior. He began reading the bible and his life proceeded to change. However, he had not yet given up his old friends. One day he was gathered together with them in a house while they engaged in drug use; as he sat on the couch he opened his bible and began to read. Suddenly a group of heavily armed drug enforcement agents broke through the door and began arresting everyone. The man was so frightened he could barely move. He thought, ‘If I just sit here and read my bible, nothing will happen to me.’ He heard lamps falling and people yelling as they were being dragged to the ground and arrested. As the commotion swirled around him he never took his eyes off of God’s word. After a short time he heard the front door slam and the house was completely silent. Looking up he realized he was all alone. No one had tackled him; no one had arrested him; no one had even questioned him. Sometime afterward, God told him that He had blinded the eyes of the officers so that they couldn’t see him. This man has undoubtedly recalled this miracle on many occasions to dispel doubts and to inspire his faith.
Even the most faithful believers can occasionally experience doubtful thoughts. If and when doubts arise, the natural remedy is remembrance. How often has God healed our bodies; how often has He provided for our needs and protected us from trouble? Our faith is preserved in times of trouble by remembering the wonderful miracles God has already performed in our lives.
“Lord Heavenly Father, increase our faithfulness. In moments of weakness may we be reminded of the many miracles You have already performed. Through remembrance may our doubts be destroyed and our fears be put to death. Fill our hearts with love, and peace, and truth, that we may continually trust in You and Your Son. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you.
Jesus Speaks 