Trusting God

I am often surprised by the number of people who come to our kitchen and pantry each week.

A man came from Baal-shalishah, bringing food from the first fruits to the man of God: twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain in his sack. Elisha said, “Give it to the people and let them eat.” But his servant said, “How can I set this before a hundred people?” So he repeated, “Give it to the people and let them eat, for thus says the Lord, ‘They shall eat and have some left.’” He set it before them, they ate, and had some left, according to the word of the Lord. - 2 Kings 4:42-44

Today's alternate Old Testament reading is one we rarely hear.  It appears on the same day that we have Jesus feeding the five thousand, so it can easily be overlooked, even if it is read.

Elisha tells a man who has a little food to offer to give it to the people. 

The man is worried there will not be enough.  I know that feeling.  It is a hole in the pit of my stomach.  I feel I must run out to the store to get more food for our shelves.

But there are other times, like yesterday, when I have an abundance of fresh produce and no way to store it, so I need more people to come.  I have the same feeling in the pit of my stomach when that happens. 

It would be great if we always happen to have the right amount for the number that comes.  That would be a miracle in itself.  But I am afraid I am not that trusting.

I want to be in control, so I look to increase my storage capacity so I can have more than I need available at any time.

There is one thing I am not considering though when I plan that way.  God will probably send more people if I have more to offer.

So, the challenge of having enough for all who are hungry is one I will have to live with, for serving God's children is a ministry more than it is a business. 

Yesterday we expected fifteen families to come and instead we had forty.  God sent enough for us to distribute all the produce we had.

So, why should I worry?

He knows what He is doing, and we need to trust Him.

At the end of each day, no matter how much we have, we should wind up with everything given away.  Then, we start again the next day.

Thank God for all who donate to help us keep this going.

More to come...