When Jesus fed the four thousand, the crowd had been with him for three days already, and they had run out of food. Most of them had gone a long way following Him, and Jesus was concerned that they hadn’t eaten. The disciples questioned where they would find enough food to feed everyone, but Jesus took the loaves they had and the fish they found, blessed them, and fed the crowd. Not only did everyone eat until they were full, but they had seven large baskets of leftovers!

It is amazing how our Lord sees every detail, and thinks about our well-being. He sees our needs and provides. Whether we are facing one of the biggest challenges of our lives and need strength and hope, or living easily and happily and experiencing His joy.

It is important to remember, however, that our needs are different from our desires. Sometimes, we ask God for the same thing over and over again because we are convinced that is what we need. Sometimes, God gives us what we want, and other times he does not; and that is okay. God sees us and he hears us, and he will always be present in every circumstance by providing for our needs that we sometimes do not even notice, because we are too focused on what we want. Because of this, we blind ourselves from seeing the good things that God has done, but God sees and knows it all. This is why we should always be joyful and thankful, because God provides for our needs at all times (Philippians 4:19 and Psalm 23:1). God is so good! Hallelujah!

Suggested prayer: Dear God, I thank you for always providing! Please forgive me for not noticing the good works that you have done for me. I ask that you open my eyes to see your blessings, that you open my ears to hear about your goodness, and that you open my mouth to tell about the wonderful things you have done in my life. In the precious name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.

1. Mark 8:2-3.

Today’s Encounter was written by: Gianna B.