In a Desolate Place

And the disciples said to him, "Where are we to get enough bread in such a desolate place to feed so great a crowd?"
(Mat 15:33)

Because of the compassion of Jesus Christ, he will ask you who follow him to provide for others. He does not ask us to give what we do not have, only to give him what we have. And Jesus said to them, "How many loaves do you have?" They said, "Seven, and a few small fish." (Mat 15:34)

All we have is all he wants. Not that he needs it... The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. (Act 17:24-25) Rather, his loving purpose is that we participate with him.

And directing the crowd to sit down on the ground, he took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. (Mat 15:35-36) When we offer the little that we have, he takes it- giving thanks to the Father. Then Jesus, our high priest, breaks it, and gives it back to us from the abundance of the kingdom of God, to share with others.

Where are we to get enough in such a desolate place? It is in the desolate place that we pause to ask him. It is in the desolate place that he asks us for the little that we have. It is in the desolate place that we empty our hands and wait upon him. Even as he has shown us: He would withdraw to desolate places and pray. (see Luke 5:16) Let us do the same. It is in the desolate place where he prepares us to participate with him.

Heavenly Father, all good things come from you. Thank you for sending Jesus, that I can participate for your glory. Thank you for times when I don't know what to do, or how to go on, for calling me to take the time to empty my heart and hands before you, to wait upon you. Help me to grow in your hiding place for my soul, in Jesus.

A very great and precious promise

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Mat 6:6)

You have God's Word on it.