The Miracle of Daily Bread

Scripture – Mark 6:45-52: ⁴⁵Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. ⁴⁶After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray. ⁴⁷When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. ⁴⁸He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, ⁴⁹but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, ⁵⁰because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” ⁵¹Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, ⁵²for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.

Reflection: What connection did the disciples miss? What did they not understand about the loaves? (Mark 6:36-44) How did they miss that Jesus could do miraculous things that defied the laws of nature?

I guess the more pointed question is: How do I miss that? Jesus is still working miracles in the world today. I’ve seen Him make things happen that defy any “logical” explanation on my part. Personally, I’ve known Him to stretch our finances so we cover unexpected bills. More often than I can count, He’s provided physical and emotional strength when I thought I was tapped out. He’s lifted me many times when I’ve fallen.

Most of the time I’ve learned to expect Him to provide all I need whenever I need it. When He’s in the boat, there is peace. While I’m not so much surprised when He does that, I am always amazed.

Thank you, Lord. Forgive me when I doubt. Give me this day the bread we need.