March 16, 2022

“Jesus answered, ‘Truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Don’t work for the food that perishes but for the food that lasts for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set his seal of approval on him.’” – John 6:26-27

What was the last thing that you asked for in prayer? Was it a better paying job? Good health? A more reliable car? Relief from your allergies? Maybe money to fix up your home? We pray for a lot of simple, daily needs. Does God care about these things? Definitely! Does God often answer these prayers? Yes! Is there anything wrong with praying for material provision in our lives? Definitely not! But should there be more to our prayers than just these things? Yes.

In John Chapter 6 Jesus miraculously feeds five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two fish. Later, those same people coming looking for Jesus and he accuses them of seeking him simply because they want another free meal. And from this conversation he teaches a very important lesson; don’t just seek Jesus for temporary provision. Our prayers should focus on the eternal things of God. Even the temporary provisions that we ask for should have the goal of eternal impact. I want to stay healthy so that I can share Jesus with others. I want my home to remain strong so that I can raise up my children in the Lord and show hospitality to those around me. I want my car to work well so that I can go out into the dark world and shine the light of Christ. As you pray today, keep your eyes on the things of eternity. Jesus can and will provide for your temporary needs, but more than anything else, your relationship with him is meant to provide the incredible blessings of eternity.

Heavenly Father, provide for every need while keeping our minds on eternity. More than anything else, draw us close to You and make use of every aspect of our lives for Your ministry.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon