Scripture Reference: John 6:10-13
Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. 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.
Reflection
He said, “LET NOTHING BE WASTED.” He wasn’t just talking about food, y’all. Sometimes, we worry if we are enough. Sometimes, we hear from others that we are “extra.” Some people are labeled as “not enough” or undeserving. Guess what? Jesus can use it all. Nothing is wasted. Not one single experience…not one ounce of faith…not one crumb.
I want to invite you to read the whole passage again and ask the Lord what part He wants you to see. Maybe it is just a reminder that He cares for every single person and that He invites everyone (even if over 5,000 people show up) to have a seat and experience His goodness and His unending love. He wants us to remember that if He can use two fish to make a lasting impact, He most certainly can use YOU! He wants us to see every encounter with another person (another one of His creations) as an opportunity to speak life and love into each other.
Heart for the Homeless
As a former art teacher (15 years), I love to study the life stories of many artists. One of my favorite stories comes from a guy named Vincent Van Gogh. Although he is now one of the world’s most famous artists, he did not sell even one painting while he was alive. He was a beautiful soul who struggled deeply with the status quo. Before becoming an artist, he was a self-proclaimed failed missionary who experienced homelessness for years. He quickly learned that his methodology of ministering to people was extremely frowned upon. He would go to people and sit with them… exactly where they were (physically and emotionally). Sometimes, that meant he frequented bars, the streets, and places known for being hotspots for sinners. His heart broke for the people God led him to see. He was obedient when asking God to truly give him eyes to see people and the world around him. I believe this is why his artwork reflects such a different take on reality. His paintings are marked by glimmers of light, even if slight. He saw the world in tiny fragments of light and color—all beautiful creations made by a Savior that he loved deeply. That’s how He saw people, too. God did not waste Van Gogh’s experience with homelessness. He encountered Jesus in a special way because of it.
Author: Hannah Vernon
Hannah Vernon is the founder and president of Joy Comes, a nonprofit that exists to bring joy to all people. She ministers to homeless and under-resourced communities in Honduras and the United States. She and her husband, Jamie, have devoted their lives to ministry, including the care of children in the foster care system. After having two biological children, they adopted two children from social services and daily see the effects that poverty and a negative mindset can have on a person of any age. By God’s power, they have also gotten to witness the miraculous way that God can transform a situation that seems hopeless and make it into a masterpiece.
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