When Faith Meets the Desert: Lessons from the Disciples’ Dilemma

The disciples of Jesus followed Him for over three years, watching closely but often struggling to fully grasp His way of doing things. They had the capacity to develop His way of thinking—otherwise, Jesus wouldn’t have corrected them so often for their unbelief. This shows us that it’s possible to be a follower of Jesus and still be dominated by the natural mind, relying heavily on logic and reasoning. Let’s explore a moment in their journey that reveals this tension and offers us a powerful lesson for our own spiritual walk.

The Desert Place and the Passing Hour: A Moment of Crisis

In Matthew 14:15-21, we find the disciples facing a challenging situation:

“And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.”

The disciples observed their surroundings carefully. They saw the desert place—no food, no water, no natural resources. They noticed the hour was late, meaning wild animals might soon be lurking. Their senses told them this was a dangerous and uncomfortable situation. So, they brought their concerns to Jesus and suggested sending the crowd away to find food.

What stands out here is their focus on comfort and practicality: villages for safety and money to buy food. They were thinking naturally, relying on what they could see and understand. But Jesus responded differently.

The desert place where the disciples found themselves

The Natural Mind vs. The Supernatural Wisdom

Jesus said, “They need not depart; give ye them to eat.” The disciples immediately pointed out their limited resources: five loaves and two fishes. Their natural mind was calculating scarcity and limitation. But Jesus invited them to bring what little they had to Him.

This moment reveals a crucial truth: many believers live their lives dominated by the carnal mind, constantly figuring things out on their own. They rely on logic, senses, and past experiences instead of tapping into God’s supernatural wisdom and supply.

When you face your own “desert places” or moments when “the hour is now past,” it’s easy to fall into the same trap. You might focus on what’s missing or what seems impossible. But Jesus calls you to bring your little—your small faith, your limited resources—and trust Him to multiply it.

The Miracle of Multiplication: Trusting Beyond the Senses

Jesus took the five loaves and two fishes, looked up to heaven, blessed them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to distribute. Everyone ate and was filled, and twelve baskets of fragments were left over. This miracle wasn’t just about feeding a crowd; it was about showing the disciples—and us—that God’s provision is limitless when we trust Him.

This story encourages you to:

• Bring your small offerings to Jesus, no matter how insignificant they seem.

• Trust in His ability to multiply and provide beyond what your natural mind can calculate.

• Step out of your comfort zone and rely on God’s supernatural wisdom instead of your own understanding.

  
  

The humble offering of five loaves and two fishes

How to Shift from Natural Reasoning to Spiritual Trust

You might wonder, how can you move from relying on your natural mind to embracing God’s supernatural wisdom? Here are some practical steps:

1. Pause and Pray: When faced with a problem, stop and seek God’s guidance before making decisions.

2. Bring Your Concerns to Jesus: Like the disciples, don’t hide your worries. Present them honestly to God.

3. Offer What You Have: Even if it seems small or insufficient, give it to God and trust Him to work through it.

4. Listen for His Voice: Be open to His answers, which may come in unexpected ways.

5. Act in Faith: Take steps based on God’s direction, not just on what your senses tell you.

   
   

By practicing these steps, you’ll begin to experience the peace and provision that come from trusting God’s wisdom over your own.

Embracing the Journey of Spiritual Growth and Healing

This story is more than a historical event; it’s a living lesson for your spiritual growth and healing. Terrance Shivers Ministries aims to spread this message of light, faith, and healing power globally, inspiring believers to find strength and transformation through God’s teachings.

Remember, it’s okay to have moments of doubt or confusion. The disciples did too. But God’s grace is sufficient to guide you through every desert place and every late hour. When you lean into His wisdom, you open the door to miracles in your life.

Let this story remind you that faith is not the absence of challenges but the courage to trust God despite them. Your journey is unique, but you are never alone.

May you find encouragement today to bring your “five loaves and two fishes” to Jesus, trusting that He will multiply your faith and meet your every need.

For more inspiring teachings and spiritual resources, visit Terrance Shivers Ministries.

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” - Martin Luther King Jr.