I Don't Get It

Photo by OSPAN ALI on Unsplash

For the last week or so, one scripture passage has popped up repeatedly in several of my devotions. God has a message for me, but I don’t get it. It’s right in front of me, but I still don’t see it, much like the Apostles. They were often just as dense, as evidenced in several scriptural passages, especially the following one. 

(Interesting coincidence. When I opened my bible to search for the scripture, it fell open to the exact verses I wanted to use. Hmmm.)

Mark 8:14-21 “And they forgot to take bread; and they had but one loaf with them in the ship. And he charged them, saying, ‘Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod. And they reasoned among themselves, saying: Because we have no bread. Which Jesus knowing, saith to them: Why do you reason, because you have no bread? Do you not yet know nor understand? Have you still your heart blinded? Having eyes, see you not? And having ears, hear you not? Neither do you remember. When I broke the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments to you up? And they say to him, seven. And he said to them: How do you not yet understand?’”

So, what is it I’m too blind to see this time? If the past is any indication, now that He has my attention, my eyes will be open to whatever it is He wants me to understand. I’ll smack myself and wonder how I missed it. But that is why I need my Father. I cannot figure life out on my own. I need His guidance, instruction, and yes, even discipline. In His compassion, He always follows His instruction (or discipline) with encouragement - and the means to follow His will.

Ah. So that’s the message. I’ve been worried about following God’s command to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked. I have limited resources and physical ability. Add to that, there is little opportunity in the small community where I live, except through the usual charitable donations and church activities. I worried it wasn’t enough.

However, God is using this scripture to remind me to stop worrying. He has it all figured out, both the means and the opportunity. I only need to keep my eyes and heart open and be ready to act.

I get it, this time, but He’ll need to repeat this, and other lessons, numerous times before any of them stick.

Thank you, Lord, for your patience and understanding in giving me encouragement and instruction. Your will be done. Amen.