1 Chronicles 4-6 John 6:1-21

“When Jesus looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, ‘Where can we buy enough bread for all these people to eat?’ (Jesus asked Philip this question to test him, because Jesus already knew what he planned to do.)” (John 6:5-6 NCV)

The crowds were coming, and Jesus not only recognized a major logistical problem, He had a plan. Then came time for the pop quiz: “Hey Philip. Where and how are we going to buy enough bread for everyone to eat?” Philip got a 50 on the quiz for understanding the magnitude of the problem. He said, in effect, someone needs to do a year’s worth of work to get that much money if that much bread was even available. Andrew got a 75. He brought a kid to Jesus who had some food, but he had no idea that Jesus could use that little bit to feed the crowd. We have no idea what the other disciples got, maybe a participation grade for helping to seat the people before Jesus revealed the answer. He prayed in faith and acted on that prayer. Let’s face it, He was ready because He maintained a constant stream of communication with the Father. He prayed to thank the Father for the blessing of the food for all, and then acted in faith.

Pop quizzes are a part of life. When you know a big exam is coming, you can prepare and study for it accordingly, although, to be honest, I still waited ‘til the last minute to cram and hope I covered everything in my sleep deprived status. To do well on pop quizzes, though, you’ve got to be ready. When it comes to life’s pop quizzes, the only way to be ready is to be in constant communication with God. If trouble comes, and it will, you can’t ask the trouble to stop and wait while you stop and pray about the situation. Sometimes you must be ready to act. Unless you’re in continuous contact with the Father, you’ll be confused, and you’ll probably mess up. Look back on yesterday. How many pop quizzes came into your life? Perhaps it was a person you should have shared God’s love with. Maybe you needed to step out on faith in some area. Maybe God called you to meet a need. How many “quizzes” did you not even recognize? Now, take heart. God offers forgiveness. Accept His forgiveness, but then get ready for today’s quizzes. Pray. Seek God’s protection and guidance for the day. Then act in faith when God gives you another pop quiz – or should I say, “God opens another opportunity for you.”

Lord, I miss so many opportunities to serve You each day. Prepare my heart and mind for action before you place those opportunities in front of my and then help me act in faith to show others Your love and grace.

Scripture taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.