If you are feeling overwhelmed by all the challenges of life, you are not alone. Even the apostles felt the same way, and they had Jesus walking and talking with them every day. In Mark’s Gospel account of the Jesus feeding the multitude (Mark 6:34-44), the apostles were totally overwhelmed with the prospect of having to feed over 5,000 people. They had no money, it was getting dark, and they were in the middle of nowhere. They did what most people would do in that situation: panic! You know the rest of the story. Jesus comes to their rescue by taking charge of the situation and feeds everyone by multiplying the bread and fish.

The apostles, blinded by their panic, failed to see that they had Jesus–God himself–right there with them. So instead of turning to Christ, they tried to solve the problem all on their own and basically gave up. We all tend to do the same thing. When the problems that result from separation and divorce overwhelm us, we tend to try to solve them all on our own, ignoring Christ, who is standing right next to us anxious to help. All we need to do is ask him and trust that he will help. Resolve today to turn to Christ first when the challenges and problems of life overwhelm you. Like the apostles, you will be amazed at how Christ, in his infinite love and mercy, will work in your life.

They all ate and were satisfied. – Mark 6:42

(c) Vince Frese

Originally posted 2011-01-04 11:13:18.