Daily Devotionals

february 1, 2021

When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming towards him, Jesus said to Philip, ‘Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?’ He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, ‘Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.’ One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, ‘There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?’ Jesus said, ‘Make the people sit down.’ Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted.

 

John 6:5-11

So, I am perhaps the least adept with technology among your pastors. Also, my computer has been called “one of the oldest,” according to our patient IT guy. (I am getting a new computer soon and hope I can live up to the newness.) Along with all the rest of us, I have been on a steep learning curve with most things taking place by Zoom and many former meetings and classes converted to other formats and apps. My method of teaching now is by Zoom with Power Points to do what I formerly would have put up on a whiteboard or on a paper handout. Healing prayer services are by Zoom instead of in-person. I am super inept with Zoom. I can’t send a meeting invitation without multiplying it all over my calendar. And every single time I sit in front of my computer and try to pull up Zoom, I get kicked off 1-2 times. I am keenly aware of my own shortcomings and lack of technical prowess. And yet, on the other side of the technology are many who have a deep need to see Jesus. So I bring what little I’ve got and hope that we can connect.

 

In our Scripture today, we see people with deep hungers and needs, with both physical and spiritual hunger. Jesus was there to meet them and wanted them to be satisfied. What did He have to work with? A bunch of limited disciples and a boy with a little food he was willing to share. Jesus used that little bit of food to feed the crowd. He turned a small offering into a miracle that satisfied many.

 

So I will keep trying to work through my own ineptitude with Zoom to connect with others. My loaves and fishes are my meager abilities with Power Point and Zoom. Not much to brag about. But if I put them in Jesus’s hands, I know Jesus can do great things with the little I can do! With the power of the Holy Spirit added to whatever little we’ve got, multitudes can be fed and satisfied.

For Reflection


What are some areas of life where you feel underprepared or lacking? In the area of your lack of skill, do you still try to work through it?


What can God still do with you, even if you think your skills or gifts are meager?


Can you think of an example of God’s ability to multiply your offering?


How have you been surprised by what God can do with you?

Prayer


Dear Lord, I am so aware of my own shortcomings and the things I don’t do well. Sometimes I think I should just give up. Sometimes I feel so embarrassed by my ineptitude that I want to drop out. Lord, help me to ask for help and keep offering what I can, certain that You can do much with my little ability. Help me to have faith that You can send Your Spirit through what little I can do to feed others’ deep needs, to delight them with Your love, and to expand Your Kingdom’s reach.  Thank You for working through me every day.
Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Rev. Vicki Franch
Pastor for Pastoral Care
404-842-2571