(The following is the February 20 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Mark 8 and pay close attention to verses 14-21.)
Jesus’ disciples occasionally had short memories. In Mark 6, Jesus fed 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish. Afterward, there were twelve baskets of leftovers. In Mark 8, Jesus fed another 4,000 with seven loaves, after which seven baskets remained. You would think the disciples understood from those experiences that lack of food is not a problem if Jesus blesses what is on hand. He can meet any need with any quantity provided.
Yet the disciples were concerned when they found themselves in a boat with only one loaf of bread. Jesus must have shaken his head as he said, “Why are you discussing the fact you have no bread? Don’t you understand or comprehend?” (v. 17), “And do you not remember?” (v. 18). He then quizzed them on how many baskets of leftovers they had from the previous feedings of the masses. They remembered the facts from the past but failed to connect them with their present situation.
One of the most encouraging things we can do to renew our confidence in God’s presence is to remember how he has sustained us in the past. Remembering his past faithfulness to us can strengthen us during moments of doubt and fear. Reciting his previous acts of kindness and mercy should bolster assurance that our loving heavenly Father will never leave or forsake us.
God holds his children firmly in his hands, and he loves us. Our Father will always provide what we need. He did it in the past, is doing so today, and will continue for all our tomorrows. Moments we doubt his presence or provision are the perfect time to pause and remember God’s past goodness to us. He is and will always be faithful.
Next Step:
List many things the Lord has done for you, going back years, if possible. Be specific. You will either run out of paper or time before listing them all. As you remember, your joy in him should rise, and doubts of his presence or provision should subside. Praise him for that.
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