"Encounters by the Sea: Experiencing Provision"

: Finding themselves surrounded by thousands of people, in an isolated location, and in desperate need for food, the disciples are understandably alarmed. Their communication to Jesus is not so much an appeal for provision as it is a declaration of the obvious. They are overwhelmed by the scarcity of resources and eager to send away those who have gathered to hear Jesus teach about the kingdom. Overcoming a “scarcity mentality” can be difficult. It is much easier to focus on what we don’t possess than on what we do. It is even more challenging to re-imagine what God can do with that which is entrusted to him and blessed by him.