Our Faith Satisfies God

I had been lifting a need to the Lord throughout the day and that evening, the Spirit impressed upon my spirit, "Have I ever failed You?" It was a gentle reminder that He yearns for me to be confident of His care and to believe that He hears my prayer.

When Jesus was about to feed the 5,000, He turned to Philip and asked, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" (John 6:5). Jesus already knew what He would do, but scripture said He said this only to test Philip. 

Jesus would have been so pleased if Philip had said, "Jesus, I know You can provide for these people."

But Philip failed the test. "Eight months wages would not buy enough bread for each to have a bite!"

It's possible that Jesus was testing Philip because He had reason to believe Philip believed in Him. He knew Philip had earlier declared to Nathaniel, "We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about!" Also, Philip saw Him turn the water into wine at the wedding in Cana. Now that there was a new need, would Philip expect Jesus to meet it?

Perhaps Jesus still allows impossible situations in our lives to see how much we trust Him. It is one thing to say, "Look how faithfully God provided in the past!" But when there's a new situation, do we believe He will provide? 

Our Father longs to find children who trust Him just as a small child  those who confidently rest in Him knowing that their Father will provide. "They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord" (Ps. 112:7).

Faith is best shown, not in the moments when it's easy to believe, but when we rest in His faithfulness no matter the current circumstance. How satisfying our faith is to God. 

I praise You, Father, that you have great pleasure every time I refuse to doubt but instead remind You of Your promises.

"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!" (Isaiah 49:15).