Know Love Like This: 21 Days of Discovering God's Heart for YouSample

Exactly What We Need

By Monica Bates

And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” – John 6:11–12

Our youngest daughter Gabi was born about a month early. (However, she still weighed close to eight pounds!) A few days after we took her home, she appeared jaundiced, and our pediatrician told us to just make sure she was exposed to sunlight every day. But a few days later, Gabi appeared sleepy and weak, so we took her to the doctor again. After some testing, they told us to take her to the hospital.

When we arrived at the hospital, we were told her bilirubin levels were high, and she had to be in photo therapy for a few days until her bilirubin went down. The doctors were not very positive about her outcome. If the levels did not lower to a certain number, there would be severe things ahead.

Have you ever been in a situation where you didn’t know if what you needed was going to be provided for you? Have you ever wondered if God was going to come through and take care of something in your life? Sometimes, in challenging times, the posture of our hearts can lean toward focusing on the severity of a situation instead of trusting God’s promises and provision. When things are difficult, it’s all too easy to lose focus of what you’re believing for.

In John 6, we find Jesus up on a mountain with His disciples. (I think that location is somewhat significant since Jesus’ view is always higher than ours. He sees things from an altitude we cannot, and He’s always inviting us to come up higher than we currently are.) Anyway, a great multitude of people had followed Jesus to this place, so Jesus asked Philip, one of his disciples, where to buy bread so the people could eat. John gives us the inside scoop that Jesus was asking this to test Philip. Jesus already knew what He was going to do.

When you look at the life and teachings of Jesus, it becomes obvious that Jesus is deeply concerned about providing what we need. Why? Because His Father, our heavenly Father, is also deeply concerned about providing what we need. So in the middle of this situation, Jesus was testing Philip to see if he would believe the unbelievable. Can bread be provided for 5,000 people?

During those days we were in the hospital with Gabi, we had to battle fear and take hold of faith. We only shared her situation with those who had strong faith, would speak life, and chose to believe that Gabi’s bilirubin levels would soon lower to the “certain number” needed. We postured our hearts and minds to stay focused on the promises of God’s Word and His provision. We stood in faith and prayed that God would heal her. And then we trusted that the outcome would be the best for Gabi and for our family.

After four days in the NICU, the doctors drew Gabi’s blood again, and we were told her levels had reached the number needed for her to come home! We were tested, we were tired, but we had pressed in with everything we had to see God’s goodness in our lives and in our daughter’s life.

Jesus had the power to feed 5,000. He also had the power to provide for Gabi. Jesus knew the exact number she needed. We just had to make the choice to stretch our faith to match the truth of God’s Word for her health and wholeness. And from just a little, He provided much.

Aren’t you grateful that our heavenly Father loves us as much as He does and is always faithful to provide for us exactly what we need?

Prayer

Father, is there is an area in my life where I need to walk in the provision, the posture, and the promise that You have for me? I ask You to continue to show Your grace and mercy to me today. Thank You for guiding me and leading me into all truth. Thank You for providing and caring for me. Thank You for being Jehovah Jireh, my Provider. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For Further Reflection

• Ask the Father if there is any area of your life where you may not believe that He will provide for you. Listen to what the Holy Spirit says in response.
• Ask the Father how you can posture your heart to receive His truth for your life today. Thank Him in advance for the provision in your life.

Holy Spirit, what are you saying to me?