He Wastes Nothing

When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. John 6:12-13

Let nothing be wasted, in life, in love, in food, in play, in everything under the sun and on the earth.  I believe that Jesus wastes nothing. He knows us intimately, better than we know ourselves and to think that he would go to such measures over picking up scraps of bread leftover from five barley loaves used to feed five thousand and would allow anything to go unused would not make sense. Having already demonstrated to this crowd of thousands the great power he had it would have been  less work to just leave the crumbs behind or stir up a wind to blow them away. So why go to the effort of picking up the leftover pieces up? Why gather them and collect them in baskets making the proclamation to the disciples and those who were present, "Let nothing be wasted"?

He was making a point and showing them and us that there is nothing too small, insignificant or unnoticed by him. There are no 'throw-a-ways" to Jesus. We are all important and He pays close attention to the details. I'm sure there are times when we feel as though we are left behind in the race of life. We think no one sees us and no one cares. When we are struggling with difficult circumstances that are stretching our spiritual muscles leaving us exhausted and bewildered, we want it to make sense. We want our pain and suffering to end for sure, but we want it to matter, for there to be a reason.

In this one small statement, I see that everything matters to Jesus. He says 'nothing' is to be wasted. Not a morsel of bread that would surely waste away to nothing if left in place. Not a hurt, not a struggle, not a triumph or a victory; nothing at all. It is all to be used by Him for the glory of His kingdom. As for us, we must trust, just as this crowd of people did that He will feed us. In John 6:35 Jesus reveals that He is the 'bread of life' and by believing in him none will go hungry or experience eternal death. In Him we have life and not just any life, but eternal, victorious and abundant life. Will it be perfect or easy? No! We will make an impact however, if we live it for and through Him. He will provide for us and waste nothing.  We have experiences that are unique to us, good and bad, and the fact that we survive them, learn from them and live on to encourage others in similar situations that they too can be overcomers is part of how we can make a difference.  God walks through the storms of life with you then gives you the opportunity to share that experience:  He Wastes Nothing!

God I am so very thankful and comforted by your presence and the work you have done in my life.  I ask you to help me see the work of your hands and give me the courage and compassion to share my story with others you place in my path.  Give me the words and the boldness to speak life, your eternal life, to people I meet but most of all give me the strength to live a life pleasing to you, for your glory and honor.

May you all be encouraged today and reminded that you are not alone.  He is with you at all times, even when you may not feel His presence.  You will persevere through your storms and have the opportunity to live out and share your story for the glory of God's kingdom.