Read John 6:11

When I was 22 years old, I was in my last semester of undergrad and had no idea what I was going to do afterwards. I toyed with the idea of moving to Tennessee to go to graduate school or staying in my hometown and working hard to build my business management profession while attending the church I was plugged into and continuing to learn more. However, my heart’s desire was to go to the Great Commission Bible Institute (A 10-month rigorous Bible study program that my hometown church had). I knew many who attended and I was surrounding myself with people that were like-minded and wanted the same for me.

My only problem was, I couldn’t afford it.

The tuition of the school was free; however, with my mom relocating for work and not having anyone to live with, the only logical answer, if I were to attend, was to live in the dorms, which cost money. I couldn’t swing it and had no idea what I was going to do.

One day, I met with my mentor at the time and discussed all of the possibilities and worries that were ahead of me. She looked at me and quite plainly said, “Those who are faithful with little will also be faithful with much,” (Luke 16:10) and began to show me that I just needed to surrender the control of making a decision and allow the Lord to work in and through me. To be faithful with the path He already had me on and the rest will come with His peace.

About a year later, I was graduating college and was looking for a place to live. My mentor approached me while we were serving at church, handed me $50.00, and told me to apply for GCBI and see what God does.

I went through the application process and got in. Once I told her, she said, “Your room and board is covered.”

I can relate to every side of our reading today:

Doubtful Perspective: The disciples were not sure how to feed so many people with the little they had. They couldn’t see a way.

Faithful in Waiting:  The crowd waited for Jesus to show up. They knew of His wonder and power and wanted to hear and see more. Their faith in Him, led them there and He provided their needs, even when they didn’t ask. They came not expecting anything and the Lord fed them with truth and food.

Surrender it all: The boy surrendered all that he had. He surrendered his good for God’s best.

Just like the crowd, the disciple and the boy, I’ve walked through all of it, time and time again, in striving to trust God’s provision will come.

Where would you say you are in your life? Are you doubtful, faithful, surrendered? How can you take steps toward full surrender today?

Kelly Lawson