Scripture:

Mark 6:7-9
7 And He summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits;
8 and He instructed them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a mere staff — no bread, no bag, no money in their belt — 
9 but to wear sandals; and He added, "Do not put on two tunics."
NASU


Thoughts:

I am struck by the dependence the Lord wanted the disciples to have on God in faith for their mission trip.  He wanted them to take less than what they needed (food, money, and essential equipment).

As Christians familiar with the Bible teachings on faith, we read this and think, "yeah, they just need to trust in God, He will care for them."  There is almost a self-righteous indignation we adopt.  But looking at ourselves, most likely we don't trust like this!  We want to see all of our needs and those for our family met up front, not somewhere down the road in faith.  We so easily see the right answer, it's in doing it that we find difficulty.  When the pressures of life close in around us and we feel we have less than we need for our circumstances, then is the time for us, like the disciples, to exercise some faith in God for the impossible.


Prayer:

Lord, I am grateful that You have never asked me to trust quite like this -- for the very food, clothing, and shelter I need.  Help me though, to have faith even for the lesser trials that come my way.  They may be nothing like this, but still all I can manage!

Help me to walk in faith.  No matter how big the challenge, it is never greater than Your ability to provide.

Amen