Two interesting passages of Scripture came together for my reading during prayer this morning.

The first was Genesis 16. It’s the story of Abraham settling for Hagar for an heir. He had just received the powerful covenant from Yahweh in Gen. 15… and goes right out and tries to figure things out on his own. Abraham is so easy to identify with in my own life. It’s like youth camp! We leave camp so excited to go do something for God… and then fall flat on our faces two weeks later.

The second passage was from Mark 6. The feeding of the 5000. Jesus had already sent the 12 out with authority. They had preached the gospel. They had healed the sick. They had cast out demons. Now, faced with 5000 people to feed, they look to Jesus who says, “YOU give them something to eat.”

They are shocked. How in the world could they possibly come up with that food?

Abraham. The twelve. Me. How easily I forget. God promises, and off I go to try and figure things out myself!

The word of the Lord comes to me about pastoring a church. Fine. Then, things don’t happen fast enough. The temptation is to listen to every other voice. Listen to the pragmatic voices that use business models to grow churches. Wow! It sure “works” for them…

The temptation in my life is to settle for Hagar instead of insisting on Sarah. The temptation is to forget the promise and settle for pragmatics.

God has promised. He has shown himself powerful. It is time to step out again and simply trust.

“YOU give them something to eat.”