I am a problem solver. I enjoy the challenge involved with identifying a problem and then creating a solution. The process of problem solving is not easy. The most difficult part of solving a problem is creating a solution using only your available resources. If anything were possible, money were no object and everyone one agreed with me, then most problems would be pretty easy to solve. Unfortunately, money is always a factor, only certain things are possible and hardly anyone agrees with me.

This is what constantly amazes me about the efficiency with which God is able to solve our problems. It's not that I have any doubt concerning his power to create solutions; it's just amazing that he completes His plans using us! God is a master at solving problems using the small resources we bring to the table.

One story that shows God’s desire to empower us is when Jesus took five small loaves of bread and two fish to feed a large crowd. As thousands of people gathered near Jesus, he began to question his disciples about how the crowd would eat. One of Jesus' disciples, Philip, answered him explaining that "Eight months' wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!" Then another disciple came forward; Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up, "Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?"

How foolish Andrew must have felt with this suggestion. The problem has been defined; five thousand people need food to eat. Jesus must find a solution and the best idea that comes up is five small loaves and two fish. Jesus could have easily made bread fall from heaven or fish fall from the sky, but instead he empowered the resources around him. He took Andrew’s suggestion and made it work.

How far will they go among so many?


Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them. Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, "Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world" (John 6:10-14).

In the same way, God continues to solve our problems today. We come to the table offering very little, but the power of God solves the greatest problems. We are empowered through the Holy Spirit to accomplish God’s will for our lives.

If you would like to learn more about the awesome power of God and His plan for your life, please visit our website at www.hopeforlife.org.




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