Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 27, 2020
Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, “Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted”. John 6:11-12, NLT
My writer friend from Kentucky, Angela Correll, recently brought to mind a rich childhood memory of a phrase my momma used when times were tough in our single parent home. On days when money was tight (which was most of the time), momma spoke with a hopeful, resourceful tone, reassuring us—boys we will make-do. Make do? What did momma mean by make do? Momma made do by sewing a patch on our blue jeans—uniquely stylish today, ha! Momma made do by buying our groceries with food stamps, free government cheese and dried milk. Momma made do by teaching us three boys how to rake leaves, mow grass, wash clothes and dishes, mop and make up our beds. Momma made do by baking buttermilk biscuits from scratch and canning and freezing vegetables every year. Momma made do because she had to—she knew love knows how to make do.
Jesus certainly made do—and more. He made do with a meager blend of fish and bread from a generous young boy. He took what was available in the moment and more than met the abundant nutritional needs. The disciples recognized the crowd had patiently listened to Jesus’ teaching to feed their soul, now they needed Jesus to feed their bodies— or hangry was about to happen! Once everyone was full the leftovers were gathered up, so nothing was wasted. Jesus made-do.
“He also asked, “What else is the Kingdom of God like? It is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough” (Luke 13:20-21).
Is making do part of your new normal? Perhaps a deep dive into the bottom of the freezer and the back of the cupboard to cook up some creative three course meals. Delay the new car purchase, redirect a child to a community college or postpone an extended vacation. Or repair instead of replace an appliance or lawn accessory. And yes, do some of the handyman projects yourself, but be careful not to create a cost more than if you had hired a professional—I resemble that remark! Make-do yourself or with your family, knowing you are doing your part not to presume on God.
Most of all, trust Jesus to make-do with what you have and with what you do. The Lord will give you the wisdom and creativity during these challenging days. Innovation is the fruit of a mind full of imagination. Watch the Holy Spirit take close to nothing and create a whole lot of something. In the process grow memories of your faithfulness to God and His faithfulness to you. Don’t despise the small things that Christ can compound exponentially. Give to Him your modest means and watch Him produce an abundance of provision. Make-do—Jesus even uses leftovers!
“You don’t have enough faith, Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible” (Matthew 17:20, NLT).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I give my creativity to make-do and to trust you with what I do, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
What one way can I make do by myself or with my family?
Related Reading
Isaiah 40:31; Zechariah 4:10; Luke 16:10; Romans 8:28
Here is a helpful resource during these days of grief, sorrow and uncertainty: A Little Book of Comfort
Post/Tweet today
Innovation is the fruit of a mind full of imagination that the Holy Spirit can use to take close to nothing and create a whole lot of something. #makedo #wisdomhuters #truth #Jesus
Worship Resource
6 minute video: Tasha Cobbs:
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