August 17, 2024 Devo

Read that last sentence again. “He was testing Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do.” As Jesus was working to help Philip to develop compassion, creativity, and faith, there was an underlying principle that should help us all to rest easier today. Jesus already had a plan. He was prepared for the crowd. He was prepared for the hunger. He was prepared for the lack of resources available to take care of the need. It may have been a new problem for Philip and the disciples, but it was a problem already solved in the mind of Jesus.
We get so anxious, don’t we? We get so filled with fear. We get overwhelmed, out of sorts, and walk the floor in worry. All because something that WE weren’t prepared for has come up. We’re lost in the moment—in the NOW. But “now” was long ago for Jesus. He’s never surprised. He’s never caught off-guard. And He never panics. This moment may have taken your breath away and left you without a clue of what to do, but not for Jesus. He’s prepared. He has a plan. He knew before you ever got to this “testing” moment what He was going to do.
So don’t panic if you’ve been caught by surprise today. Don’t let yourself sink into fear or depression because something bigger than you has risen up right in front of you. Yes, Jesus wants you to learn from this testing experience. Yes, He wants to develop your compassion, awaken your creativity, and strengthen your faith. But don’t think for a moment that you have to get through this all by yourself. You don’t. Jesus is with you and already knows what He’s going to do. You just caught up to this moment in time, but don’t forget that Jesus didn’t. Find your rest today in this important truth: He’s way ahead of you. That’s God’s Word for you today.