Debbie McDaniel

I looked into sweet faces as they seemed to hang on every word, so eager to know Truth. Teaching a well-known story of how Jesus feeds 5000, one that I’d heard and read for so many years, suddenly became powerful again. In my heart. In my soul.

I grew up knowing of the miracles of Jesus. Flannel board stories had come to life in my heart at a very early age. Yet sometimes, if we're not careful, such popular stories we've heard for so long can almost lose part of their significance in being so common. We hear the words but don’t really hear them anymore. Maybe because we've heard it so much before.

But I was again reminded, along with these little 3rd graders, of just how amazing He is. And how He's able to take whatever we offer, however small it seems, and do the mighty through it all. Let's first read the Scripture passage again that tells us the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5000 - 

What Is the Story of How Jesus Feeds 5000?

“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Bring them here to me,” he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.” Matthew 14:14-21

Here are 5 things from the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000 that can encourage us still today when the problems we're facing seem too big:

Jesus moves with compassion

Jesus performed this miracle on the heels of facing great grief. He had just lost his beloved cousin and friend John the Baptist who had been killed at the order of Herod.  Yet Matt. 14:14 says he had compassion on the people who had followed him, he had such great love, even in the midst of facing his own loss. He knew his time on earth was short, he pressed forward to do all that God had called him to do, even when it seemed difficult. And He’s still the same today. He knows the pain and struggles we face. He understands. He’s never too busy, or too distant to care. He knows the grief we feel today, for He felt it too. His Word says “He is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Ps. 34:18

Jesus is bigger than any problem we face

When his disciples came to him with the problem, he instructed them to "give them something to eat," v.16. In other words, he encouraged them to look for a solution, to take their eyes off the pressing problem and put them on the Answer. Jesus is still the Answer, to every problem we face today. In a world filled with darkness and fear, He is the only solution for the troubles that surround. And He sends us out, in His power and His Spirit, He instructs us today to be salt and light, to “give them something,” the very Bread of Life, who can make an eternal difference in their souls. This Truth remains, “Greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

Jesus asks us to bring Him all we have

He asked the disciples to give him what they had, v.18. The little boy whose very smart mom had packed his lunch that day, gave all he had, 5 loaves and 2 fish.  Offered it all up, though it seemed so meager. The disciples must have thought Jesus was crazy to even ask for it. Among 5000+ people, this would hardly feed even one family. But they still obeyed, they still brought it all to him. And this single obedient act ushered the way for Jesus to perform that amazing miracle story still talked about today. This truth remains, obedience paves the way for great things to happen. He desires our hearts to be fully yielded to Him, and great miracles can occur as a result. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matt. 22:37

Jesus can bring blessing and life from what is broken

Jesus, worker of miracles, loving Provider, took what they gave and offered it before God. He gave thanks, blessed it, and broke it, v. 19. Such powerful words, because if we've walked through broken times, we know that however hard it is at the time, there's also great blessing and power that can come through it. He offers our lives, broken pieces and all, and brings us before the Father. That's the grace and favor that He alone can bring into our lives in the midst of dark places. Fast forward some months, there was another time Jesus gave thanks before the Father and broke bread with his disciples, it was the Last Supper. And it was the very picture of what He was willing to endure on our behalf - the brokenness of the cross, and the blessing and power of the Resurrection. “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." Matt. 26:26

Jesus multiplies what we give to Him

And there was enough to feed all, which in reality was probably more like 10,000 - 15,000 people when you count all of the women and children too. It even says they were all "satisfied," full, content. That's a lot of mouths to feed on such a small offering of food. But with God, it was enough, it was more than enough. And surely in our lives, when we feel inadequate or what we have to offer seems so small, through Christ, it is enough. He makes it more than enough, v. 20. He is able to multiply our efforts, our gifts, our offerings, and bring complete satisfaction to the deepest places of our souls. So interesting to note that there were 12 baskets left over. And there were 12 disciples too, who quite possibly each picked up one of those baskets, and carried it back with amazement and wonder at this miracle He had done. His hope is this, “He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” Eph. 3:20

Praying today that no matter where we are in life right now, He would take what we offer up to Him, all of our brokenness and pain, all of our loss and short supply, all of our inadequacies and doubt, and that He would breathe His blessing and favor over it, multiplying greatly all that we offer.

He is Able.

To make it more than enough.

And to bring life and blessing to all those around us.

Our Lord of miracles is more than Able.

Grace.

Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor's wife, mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead's facebook page, DebbieWebbMcDaniel, for daily encouragement in living strong, free, hope-filled lives. Find her also at Twitter and Web Site.

Photo credit: ©Thinkstock/EwaPix

Wrote these words at the beginning of this year. So much has happened in our world since then. And maybe a lot has happened in your life too. Now, more than ever before, we need to hear God’s healing whispers for a broken world.

His reminder to my heart early one morning, that amidst the dark, He still is hope. He was then, He is now, and He will be forever...

“Got up early this one morning, just before dawn, headed to the beach to watch the sunrise. Winds were blowing, sand shifting beneath my feet as I walked, waves strong and fierce hit hard against the shoreline. The sky was a sheet of blue gray, clouded over by a storm that loomed close, only pierced through by the glimmer of beautiful light that could not be contained. It still shone through. Hues of orange and yellow. Light of hope against changing tides, shifting sands, and stormy times. That's who He is to us in life.

Nothing ever remains the same in this world. Things change. People move. Time goes by. Kids grow up. We may experience deep or unexpected loss. And sometimes our footsteps falter on things we've depended on so very much, but really aren't meant to fully support us. We can't simply rely on what surrounds us, even the people who we love most, because to fully rely on one thing or person means that they can never leave or change.

That tiny sliver of light amidst the gray this morning, spoke volumes to my heart. When we can't find our way at times, when the tide has turned and the struggles seem fierce. When we feel overwhelmed, and the winds blow strong...He's still there. Hope shines through. It may be just a glimmer but it's enough, to whisper His words of truth, "I see you, you are never alone. I will carry you through the fiercest of times, into places of peace, and will make your footsteps strong."

I watched the birds soar in the wind, seemingly fearless and bold, finding power in the gusts that blew, to go higher, stronger, bolstered by the gale force winds.

Sure foundation. Wind beneath our wings. Whisper of peace that calms the waves and storm. Glimmer of light in a dark world. He is our Hope.”

Jesus came to this earth when the skies were black. Such a deep, symbolic picture of what He came to do.

Light of hope ushered straight in, against the backdrop of darkness. Shining so brightly in a world that sought to destroy His message and power.

But you can’t make a King stop shining. You can't deny the might of the One makes the sun to rise. You can never destroy the solid Rock, our firm foundation, even amidst the changing times. Because He never changes. He’s stable, and sure, steadfast, unwavering. He conquered death to set the captives free. He reigns forever and graces us with power to live strong, bold lives.  

Light bringer.

Hope instiller.

Peace giver.

Don’t ever doubt or fear that He’s not with you. He hasn’t lost control. He hasn’t forgotten you. Not ever.

We don’t have to be afraid of the storms, uncertainty of the future, or changing times.

For He knows our way, and He goes before us. Pure light shining greatness against skies of dark.

Hope rises most powerfully in stormy gales. He still whispers His calm assurance today…

“Peace.”

7 Verses of His Hope and Peace, to remind you, He is with you:

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Rom. 15:13

“He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.” Ps. 40:2

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Is. 46:4

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure...” Heb. 6:19

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Is. 40:31

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

“And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” Mark 4:39

Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor's wife, and mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead's Facebook page for daily encouragement in living strong, free, hope-filled lives. Find her also on Twitter and at her blog debbiemcdaniel.com.

The very purpose of this Easter weekend reminds us, no matter what we face today, what we’ve been through, or what uncertainties tomorrow may hold, Christ is risen and is our Hope. He conquered death, He makes all things new.

He has risen! He has risen indeed!

He breathes new life, so that we can live…free. You can try to bury Power, but it won’t stay there. You can try to bury Truth, but it is not dead. You can try to bury Love, but it cannot be contained.

God’s not dead. And we’re not alone. Not ever. He lives! May we allow that truth to soak in deeply as we read these reminders from God’s Word…

Get your free Easter Prayer and Scripture Guide to reflect on the meaning and importance of Christ's resurrection.

25 Easter Scriptures: He is Risen!

“As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. "Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples…'” Mark 16:5-7

“He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'” Luke 24:6-7

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” Matt. 28:6

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,” John 11:25

“And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power.”  1 Cor. 6:14

“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.” Romans 6:4-5

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” 1 Pet. 1:3

“For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” John 6:40

“For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” 1 Thess. 4:14

“If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.” Rom. 8:11

“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth…” Job 19:25

“That you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.” Eph. 1:18-21

“That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,” Phil. 3:10

“He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.” 1 Cor. 15:4

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” 1 Pet. 1:3-4

“And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.” Acts 4:33

“Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Rom. 6:8-11

“And Jesus Christ our Lord was shown to be the Son of God when God powerfully raised him from the dead by means of the Holy Spirit.” Rom. 1:4

“Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised— who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” Romans 8:34

“He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces.” Isaiah 25:8

“For as by a man came death, by a man has come the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:21-22

“We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him.” Romans 6:9

“He was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.” Romans 4:25

“Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.” Col. 2:12

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

Prayer to Give Thanks for Christ's Resurrection on Easter Morning

Dear God,

Thank you that you make all things new. Thank you for the victory and power in your Name. Thank you that you hold the keys over death, that by your might, Jesus was raised from the grave, paving the way for us to have new life with you. Thank you that you had plan, that you made a way. 

We praise you for your great strength, we praise you for your lavish love. We praise you that you are Conqueror, Victor, Redeemer, and Friend. We praise you that you are Deliverer, Worthy One, Everlasting Father, Great and Awesome God.

We confess our need for you…fresh…new…again. We ask that you renew our hearts, minds, and lives, for the days ahead. We pray for your refreshing over us.

Keep your words of truth planted firm within us, help us to keep focused on what is pure and right, give us the power to be obedient to your word. And when the enemy reminds us where we have been, hissing his lies and attacks our way, we trust that your voice speaks louder and stronger, reminding us we are safe with you and that your purposes and plans will not fail. We ask that you will be our defense and rear guard, keeping our way clear, removing the obstacles, and covering the pitfalls. Lord, lead us on your level ground.

Shine your light in us, through us, over us. May we make a difference in this world, for your glory and purposes. Set you way before us. May all your plans succeed. We may reflect your peace and hope to a world that so desperately needs your presence and healing.

Thanks be to you God, for your indescribable gift!

To you be glory and honor, on this Resurrection Day, and forever.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor's wife, mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead's facebook page, DebbieWebbMcDaniel, for daily encouragement in living strong, free, hope-filled lives. 
Find her also at Web Site and Twitter.