Abiding in Jesus

“There’s a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish— but what are they for so many?” John 6:9 (HCSB)

“We are not called to be successful, we are called to be faithful.” Mother Teresa

 

  • Dear one, Jesus can’t wait to meet with you, in your warm, fuzzy socks, snuggled into your cozy blanket and under the glow of the Christmas lights.
  • Please read John 6:1-11 and write verse 9 in your journal. Pray that the Holy Spirit would speak to your heart as you read God’s Word.

Abiding in Jesus

This miracle in John chapter 6 isn’t a typical Christmas Bible story. However, this familiar passage about the power of the Holy Spirit has encouraged me this Christmas season. In the midst of Christmas last year, my family was suffering with sickness, a husband preparing for deployment on New Year’s Eve, and a chronically ill child with several medical appointments.

I was unable to do all the fun things that I had imagined and planned. I had nothing left at the end of the day; I was mentally and physically exhausted. I was silently suffering and feeling like a failure. In all honesty, I thought I was letting God down because we weren’t doing all the “Christian” Christmas activities. That is when the Holy Spirit spoke to me through John chapter 6.

Jesus had compassion on the crowd, desiring to satisfy their hunger. Jesus didn’t need the 5 loaves of bread and two fish to feed them. He was completely capable of creating food out of nothing. Yet, He took what they had, mixed with the optimistic faith of Andrew (the disciple who told Him about the five loaves and two fish), to miraculously feed over 5,000 people! Jesus wants to meet our needs too. When we abide in God and give Him all that we have, His power overcomes our weaknesses.

As Christmas approaches, let’s practice abiding in God and give Him what we have. He will, in return, work miracles. Abiding in Jesus and in His love brings the peace and power God sent His son to impart.

Our Christmas was different this year: no Christmas cards were sent, we only had two desserts for Christmas dinner, Jesus’ birthday cake was never decorated, tours of neighborhood Christmas lights didn’t happen as often, and our tree was without presents until 11 p.m. Christmas Eve. However, we played games, read books, and listened to stories together, making unforgettable family memories. Instead of watching the fun from the kitchen, I joined my sweet children on the floor as they explored their new toys. I experienced their joyful expressions and hugged them longer. My husband and I even snuggled up together to watch It’s a Wonderful Life. I chose to abide in Jesus and let Him take my five loaves of bread and two fish to make this Christmas magical.

Blessings and Love,

Susan Proctor & the Help Club for Moms Team

Questions to Ponder

  • Are you feeling overwhelmed?
  • Has your Christmas season been more about checking something off or spending quality time with God and those you love?
  • Do you need to make some adjustments and give yourself grace?

Faith-Filled Ideas

Dear sweet moms, have you taken your schedule, your craft list, and your Christmas shopping list before God? After writing out the activities, events, and shopping you and your family want to accomplish, listen to Him direct your path, one step at a time, about His desires for your family. Throughout each day, be open and flexible as God brings unexpected opportunities.

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and courageous. Wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 (HCBS)

 

This devotional comes from our book “The Wise Woman Abides.” You can find it HERE!

Susan Proctor
Latest posts by Susan Proctor (see all)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Time limit is exhausted. Please reload the CAPTCHA.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.