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“Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?”
– Jesus, to Philip (John 6:5)

Despite the sweltering summer heat, the people had followed Jesus up the mountain to hear His teaching, witness His healing hand at work, and marvel at the miraculous signs He was performing. Though the sun was setting, the masses were still coming. Jesus turned to Philip and asked where they could buy bread for all the people. He didn’t ask because He needed Philip’s answer. He posed the question in order to test Philip’s faith.

Questions are like seeds: if the seeds are parched with doubt, they shrivel up and die. But, if watered with faith, they blossom into a beautiful plant. Jesus didn’t come simply to bring heavenly solutions to all our earthly problems. He also came with questions. Consider the times Jesus answered questions by asking more questions. He did not force feed people with the truth. Instead, He engaged His listeners, letting them tease out the implications of His teachings.

On this particular test, Philip didn’t do so great. He turned in a blank sheet that didn’t even answer Jesus’ question. Rather than tell Jesus where they could go, he told Him how much it would cost. Often, we respond to Jesus in the same manner, avoiding the question by changing the subject. Many times it’s because we understand precisely what Jesus’ questions are leading to that we quickly come up with excuses that skirt the issue and reveal our lack of faith. God opens our eyes to see a need. He puts the question into our mind: “what could I do to help?” And before we answer, we start chattering away about how much it would cost, how much time would be needed, how much emotional energy we would be drained of.

Has God been bringing more questions into your mind than answers lately? Take the cue! This is your chance to respond to God’s question with faith. Don’t allow the circumstances to dry up the seed. Instead, trust God to use the questions to bring His plan in your life to fruition.

written by Trevin Wax  © 2007 Kingdom People blog

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