Matthew 14:14-18, 20 So when JESUS came out of the wilderness, a vast crowd was waiting for HIM and HE pitied them and healed their sick. That evening the disciples came to HIM and said, “It is already past time for supper, and there is nothing to eat here in the desert; send the crowds away so they can go the villages and buy some food.” But JESUS replied, “That isn’t necessary---you feed them!”
“What!” they exclaimed. “We have exactly five small loaves of bread and two fish!”
“Bring them here,” HE said. [Living Bible translation]
BIBLICAL COMMENTS
A great deal of JESUS’ interactions with the disciples had to do with JESUS teaching them how to overcome their fears and doubts. This is an example.
“Immediately” before these events, JESUS and the disciples had all been at a mountainside gathering with over 5,000 people.1 JESUS was performing miracles, healing the sick. But, when it became late, the disciples approached JESUS and suggested HE tell all the people to leave and go buy food, fearing a hungry crowd would become too unmanageable. But instead, JESUS calmly turned to the disciples and said: “That won’t be necessary, you feed them!”
Astonished, and probably looking at JESUS as if HE had “lost HIS mind,” the disciples proceeded to give JESUS what they thought was a simple lesson in mathematics. You could almost hear them saying in their minds: “Listen to JESUS, there are 12 of us; about 5,000 men (not even counting the women and children), and all we can come up with are 5 small loaves and 2 small fish, a meal for a youngster!” [See John 6:9, referring to “the lad” that was the source of this meal]. But they just said: “We have exactly five small loaves of bread and two fish!” [Living Bible translation.]
The disciples seemed to be completely “unnerved” by the situation. The Book of John records that Philip starts thinking about all the reasons why “this was an impossible situation.” Philip tells JESUS that it would take at least 200 denariii, about 8 months’ wages, just to buy enough bread so that each one would have a little bite! [See John 6:7] Although Andrew states that there are a couple of fish and five barley loaves, Andrew tells JESUS “What good is that among so many? The numbers and the situation simply made “no sense” to the disciples and they may have been fearful the crowd might become unruly.
But JESUS’ response was simply. “Bring what you have to me.” Instead of sending people in need away, JESUS “shepherds” the people, having them sit on the grass.
Asking GOD’s blessings over what they had (5 loaves and two fish) JESUS feeds everyone, with food to spare. Everyone ate until they were full!
It was only afterward when JESUS asked his disciples to “gather up the fragments” so that “nothing is lost” and twelve baskets were filled with leftovers that the people and perhaps the disciples finally “realized” that a great miracle had occurred! See John 6:12-14.
FEARS & DOUBTS
If you allow it to happen, fear or doubt can be palpable (i.e., so intense it is almost tangible so that you can almost touch it). Focusing on fears and doubts just seems to cause or “beget” more fear and doubt. Negative thinking patterns can be destructive and unproductive.
FOWO
They call it FOWO—“The Fear of Working Out” or “The Fear of Exercising.”
According to WebMD, there are many reasons why someone might hate exercising or fear working out. Here are just a few of “the negative” reasons why some have FOWO:
- They won’t know how to use the equipment;
- They won’t have time to exercise;
- They can’t afford to go to a gym or a health club;
- They won’t be able to keep up with the class;
- They are too old, or it is too late to start.
See, “Conquer Your Fitness Fears,” by Barbara Russi Sarnataro, https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/hate-exercise#1
Instead of focusing on the negative, try to focus on the positive.
Many gyms have trainers who can teach the inexperienced how to use gym equipment, how to lift weights, or what exercises and equipment would be best for your fitness goals. Sometimes people partner up with more experienced equipment users. Remember safety is a big concern for every gym, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Some gyms are open 24 hours and on weekends. And, if you can’t go to the gym, find an exercise program that works for you at home or outside. Remember, you don’t have to pay to exercise.
Many gyms have a variety of classes. Try a few and see which ones you like. Having fun is more important than “keeping up!” With regard to age, unless your physician tells you otherwise, it’s never too late to start an exercise program! Remember, the idea is to have fun and exercise! Don’t let your fears keep you from your best health!
GOD IS OUR OVERCOMER
Pray for me.
Praying for you.
Pray one for another.
Let’s bring it all to JESUS.
Remember, we don’t have to figure it out….
BE BLESSED and BE A BLESSING!
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1Matthew 14:21 notes that there were about 5,000 men in the crowd that day, in addition to all the women and children!
