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By Mike Caton

John 6:10-11, Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). 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.

A great secret of the Christian life is revealed in these verses. It has nothing to do with the grass in that place and nothing to do with the number of men who were fed. It has everything to do with the attitude Jesus displays here. Before anyone got a mouthful of this food, Jesus gave thanks. Don’t think this is a proof-text for saying the blessing before you eat, although that is not a bad thing. This is really about having the mindset of contentment and the confidence in knowing that God is going to provide.

How thankful are we, are you and I? The answer to that question will reveal much about our relationship with the Lord and our priorities. If we are always waiting something else, if we think we have to have the latest and the greatest, if we are never satisfied with what we have, our eyes are never going to be focused on the Lord. This is a perfect example. Those folks ate bread and fish, as much as they wanted. It filled their bellies. And bread and fish are good. But I wonder if anyone asked about french fries, or slaw, or for some tartar sauce, or wanted flounder. God promises to provide our needs, and often those needs are far from our wants and are far less that we might first think.

The secret is being thankful, grateful, content with what you have. There will always be someone who has more or better than you. But that is not the point, it is about being thankful for what the Lord has provided. It is knowing that if you really needed more, God can provide more. It is about trusting God that what he gives is enough.

Father, thank you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Mike Caton is the preacher at Mount Olive Church of Christ in Belhaven. He volunteers at the Ponzer Fire Department and works part time with Hyde County EMS. If you would like to receive daily devotions in your inbox, email mikecaton@centurylink.net.

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