In the midst of living out our own story, sometimes it is difficult to see how God is weaving together every piece, every thread, every scrap to form a tapestry that reflects His glory.

In the telling of the Feeding of the 5000, which is recorded in all 4 Gospels (Matthew 14, Mark 6, Luke 9, John 6), there is a simple statement that Jesus makes that arrested my attention and captured my heart.

Only John records Jesus’ 4 simple words.  Jesus takes five loaves of bread and two fish, a boy’s lunch, and prays over it.  What was meant to feed one boy multiplies, and the disciples participate in a miracle.  They watch as their baskets overflow with food so that all 5000 men, plus women and children, are fed until they are satisfied.

Matthew, Mark and Luke all record that the disciples collect all the remaining food, enough to fill 12 baskets.

Only John records Jesus’ instructions.

“Gather the pieces that are left over.  Let nothing be wasted.”

“Let nothing be wasted.”  4 simple words.  But I can’t help but think that this is what Jesus says about my life.  Let nothing be wasted…

Not a moment.

Not a hurt.

Not a failure.

Not a trial.

Not a tragedy.

Not an inconvenience.

Not an offense.

Not a tear.

Nothing!  Let nothing be wasted.  Our Father can use it.  He will use it.  He will re-purpose it.  He will fashion a masterpiece in our life out of it.  He will bring Himself glory from it.

Father, thank you for being the kind of loving God who finds beauty in my mess and glory in my weakness.

 

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