by Steven Grace
Verse: John 6:1-13; Philippians 4:4-13 (click link or see below for verses)
Topic: Anything is possible with God
$24,000 is a lot of money. The alternative is much more expensive.
Let me explain: The roof of our beautiful church is ruined; it’s leaking; it’s about to cause much larger problems. The estimate we have to tear off all the shingles, replace the sheeting, and install a metal roof is for just under $24,000. That’s not pocket change. However, if we don’t do anything, there is a good chance that we could have much larger problems that cost a whole bunch more to fix in the long run.
While that $24,000 is a daunting figure, especially given some of the financial struggles we have seen the past few years, I am confident that God will provide for us. When Jesus fed 5,000, how do you think the disciples felt? They had gone to hear Jesus teach, and a giant crowd followed him. Some interpretations even say that there were 5,000 men, meaning many more women and children were there, too. So between 5,000 and 10,000 people were listening, and getting hungry. One boy had with him five loaves of bread and two small fish—maybe enough to share between 10 or 20 people. Do you think that would be a bit daunting-trying to feed 300 times the people with so little? The disciples said it would take more than half a year’s wages to get enough bread (John 6:7). (Sound familiar, since $24,000 is not quite half of our annual ministry spending plan…) But in John 6:6, it says Jesus was testing the disciples, “…for he already had in mind what he was going to do.”
So how can we, at Springdale UMC, come up with the funds necessary to ensure we can keep our building from being ruined? We turn to God; we trust in Him; we pray to Him. If each and every one of us was to say a prayer—not about getting the money for the roof—but about the future of Springdale, good things will happen. Who knows, instead of limiting ourselves to just one project, we could be like the disciples who had 12 baskets of crumbs leftover—all from five loaves and over 5,000 people. If we pray for the future, we can then find the path God wants us as a church to venture down. Rather than limiting ourselves to doing just enough to keep the doors open a few more years, we can find the path that will lead to countless lives being transformed by Springdale UMC.
Remember Paul’s words in his letter to the Philippians (4:12-13): “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (emphasis added)
Prayer: Oh loving and gracious God. Lead us at Springdale UMC to the path which you are calling us. Open our eyes, ears, hearts and minds to receive your spirit and your direction. Though we are facing a daunting challenge right now, turn our hearts and minds to you, for through you, all things are possible. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
6 Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), 2 and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick. 3 Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. 4 The Jewish Passover Festival was near. 5 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” 6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. 7 Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages[a] to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” 8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, 9 “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” 10 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). 11 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. 12 When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” 13 So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. 10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
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