Giving Thanks In Impossible Situations

Tuesday May 28, 2024

One day Jesus and His friends faced a huge problem.  Thousands of people were before him and they were tired and hungry.  The only resources available were five small loaves (probably bun sized pita bread) and a couple of small fish.  Jesus’ friends did not see a way to provide for the crowd and thought the way to deal with the problem was to send the crowds away, so they could meet their own needs.  What was Jesus’ response to this impossible situation?  

Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.”   (Luke 9:16-17 NIV) 

Why give thanks when facing needs that seem impossible to fill? God knows who we are, the resources that are available, and the true nature of the need before us.  God has promised to supply all our needs, so we can share generously with others.  

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19 NIV)

Giving thanks is one way to acknowledge the truth about God’s presence with us and His promise to provide for us.  Remembering how God took care of us in the past is an important way to build our trust in His care for us today.  


As we focus on our gracious God and how He works on our behalf, we will experience more joy and satisfaction in life than we ever thought possible.
  Giving thanks opens the generous hand of God.

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.  (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT)


Prayer:  Loving God, Thank You for Your promise to provide for my needs. Help me to continue to trust You when circumstances seem to block my vision of what You can do.  Help me to see You as the awesome God You are.  Amen

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