Have you ever found yourself called on to give of your time, energy, or resources when you were exhausted and drained? How did you respond?

For many of us, a crisis call to help stimulates the adrenalin necessary to accomplish the task at hand. Often, in the middle of helping, our own situation takes “a back seat.” But, what if the task ahead is not actually a crisis?

In Mark’s account of the Feeding of the Five Thousand, we are told that the apostles had just returned from an exciting missionary journey. They had been sent out by Jesus to teach and heal and had seen great results. After this time, they returned and reported to him all they had experienced (Mark 6:30). Jesus noted their physical hunger and exhaustion and invited them to come away for a time of rest. As they “retreated,” a large crowd followed them and, as the day got later, the apostles encouraged Jesus to send the crowd away. Jesus turned to the same tired and hungry apostles and challenged them to feed them. Why?? Didn’t he know these are the same guys? Of course he did but he wanted them to see the power of God!

Jesus challenged them to give beyond their ability. Did you see that – it was WAY BEYOND them!! They cannot accomplish the task. Jesus was there with them all the time, knowing the solution to the situation! But, he wanted to stretch them in the area of faith. He wanted them to realize that life consists of more than “my” needs and that God was (and is) sufficient in times of weakness. This story is told in all four of the gospel accounts – that’s pretty unique. I wonder if their own hunger didn’t better prepare the apostles to remember the power of this moment!

Is God calling you to give beyond yourself today? Maybe you are tired, your bank account is low, your emotions are spent. God may want to stretch you, too. Is that OK with you? If so, maybe you could pause now and give him permission in prayer to work in and through you. Trust me, you’ll be better for it!

Be blessed today!

Bryan