Leftovers

Posted bymusingsofmanettekayPosted inChristian Living, Devotional, Meditation, PrayerTags:, , , , , ,

I love how the Holy Spirit can reveal something fresh in a familiar passage of scripture. Today, while I was reading in the Gospel of Mark, I was reminded again of God’s sufficiency by the response Jesus gave his disciples.

This is the portion I read, “They were discussing among themselves that they did not have any bread. Aware of this, he said to them, ‘Why are you discussing the fact you have no bread? Don’t you understand or comprehend? Do you have hardened hearts? Do you have eyes and not see; do you have ears and not hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of leftovers did you collect?’ ”

“Twelve,” they told him.

“When I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many baskets full of pieces did you collect?”

“Seven,” they said.

And he said to them, “Don’t you understand yet?” (Mark 8:16-21, CSB).

The questions Jesus asked his disciples felt directed at me. Recently, I’ve been stressed about some financial circumstances yet like the disciples I’ve experienced God meeting my needs in the past. Why do I default to anxiety, worry, and stress rather than confident and calm trust?

On two separate occasions God sufficiently met the need for food with a multitude of people. Near Bethsaida Jesus fed 5,000 (Luke 9:10-17). Another time near Gerasenes region, Jesus fed 4,000 (Mark 8:1-13). At each occurrence God provided more than enough, there was leftovers!

What does this text reveal about God?

• God meets needs.
• God is generous with his provisions.
• God is trustworthy.

Supporting Scriptures:
When the LORD appeared to Abram to establish his covenant he states, “…I am El-Shaddai––‘God Almighty’ ” (Genesis 17:1, NLT).

Paul reminds us, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19, ESV).

David testifies of God’s all-sufficiency, “The LORD is my shepherd; I have what I need. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows” (Psalm 23:1 and 5b, CSB). An overflowing cup is provision of more than enough.

Dear Reader, like me, do you need to cultivate trust in God’s all-sufficient provision?

Prayer:
El-Shaddai, you are worthy of my complete trust. Help move me from fear and anxiety to confident undoubting trust in you. Thank you for consistently providing above and beyond what I can ask or imagine. Blessed be your name. Amen.

Author Bio
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, grandmother, great-grandmother, foster care parent, and trauma survivor. I enjoy sipping tea, writing devotionals, prayers, short stories, and unburdening my heart to the Lord. Check the About page if you want to read more of my story.

Would you like to know more about the afterlife and how you can be assured of eternity in Heaven? Check the Questions page.

Check the Free Gifts page for downloadable/printable study guides and resources.

Copyright © 2020-2023 Musings of Manette Kay™ All rights reserved. Requests to the author and publisher, Manette Kay, for permission.

Bread photo by Ashkan Forouzani on Unsplash.

Published by musingsofmanettekay

Sharing bits of memoir in the format of devotionals, prayers, short stories, and occasionally a poem.

22 thoughts on “Leftovers”

  2. I’ve read the passages of Jesus feeding the 4000 and 5000 many times, Manette Kay, but this is the first time (thanks to you) I considered the leftovers. God gives us more than enough!
    🙏 Heavenly father, whatever need Manette Kay has, I pray you will meet it— for the glory of your name, and the provision of one of your children. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
    “ The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you, and give you peace.”

    Liked by 1 person

    1. David, thank you for the prayer! Immersing myself in Scripture as I wrote this post was a real booster in silencing the whispered lies of the enemy and rooting out the seeds of anxiety.

      I know God is able and will meet every need. It’s essential that my emotions be synced with truth. Yehovah bless you.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. I am soooo guilty. I squirm like bacon on a skillet when the “impossibles” arrive. Like you, I have seen Him show up when being carried by the rapids, and yet, I squirm. Will I ever fully trust? I wonder.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Alan, you’ve given me the biggest smile and chuckle to carry through this day with the vivid imagery of squirming like bacon on a skillet. I’m curious is that an Alan original or is it a colloquial expression common in the South?

      Liked by 1 person

  6. I so much appreciate your perception on the “leftovers.” Once a minister spoke of the “garbage” the disciples had to collect, and it greatly disturbed my spirit, pulling me into a season of prayer over these passages. Once met by the Holy Ghost, I was convinced these “leftovers” were NOT garbage, but additional food they could carry with them into other towns to distribute or to provide for the hungry. Like someone once said, “God doesn’t make garbage.” 😉
    ❤️&🙏, c.a.

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  8. Manette, you grabbed me completely with your opening line- “I love how the Holy Spirit can reveal something fresh in a familiar passage of scripture.” I couldn’t wait to read what the Holy Spirit had shown you. Oh how I love that we can spend a lifetime reading the Word and it is fresh like spring water with every gulp. Thank you so much for sharing!

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  9. The longer we walk with God the more history we have of Him being faithful and providing for us. May you look back, hold onto His word and may God drive away the fear and anxiety that can creep up and fill you with peace. And may Our Jehovah Jireh meet your needs Manette 🙏🏽

    Liked by 1 person

  10. I smiled when I read your opening lines, because there is nothing that thrills me more than when His Spirit shows me something new in His Word. It is like having all your birthdays at once! Lately I too have been forgetful of His provisions in my past, as I struggle in my health. Thank you for sharing this with us Manette, may our hearts rest in this knowledge of a generous Father.
    Dear Father God, I thank you for Your overflowing love and provisions for Your children. May our hearts be at ease knowing Your nearness and timely blessings. I lift sister Manette to Your side, dear Father God shower her in your Heavenly blessings and encourage her today. This I pray in Your beautiful Son’s name, our Lord and Saviour, Amen. 🙏

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Alan, your contribution to conversations are a welcome encouragement. I think people have more in common than we are often aware of as evidenced by the responses when we write from the heart, exposing our own weaknesses.

      Thank you for the prayer! I know God hears and will answer, according to His will. He never leaves or forsakes us. Yehovah bless you.

      Liked by 1 person

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