Meanwhile His disciples urged Him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But He said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” Then His disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought Him food?” “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.” John 4:31-34
“My spirit has become dry because it forgets to feed on You.”
John of the Cross (1542-1591) in A Dictionary of Quotes from the Saints, ed. Paul Thigpen (Charlotte: TAN Books, 2001) 17.
How do we thrive in busy and crazy times? It’s not easy. For my part, I feel like I get it right even on busy trips as I find myself depending on God moment by moment and seeking to discern His will from His Word.
I’d like to say I do this all the time. But, if I am vulnerable and transparent, I feel I am much better at this when I am on the road than when I am at home. Nothing creates a sense of dependency more than being in a foreign place!
Remember Jesus said that we can’t survive on food alone. To thrive we must feed on the Word. So, let me ask you two questions this Advent. How do you remain in a place of dependency on God? How are you feeding on the Word?
These are the faithful activities that I will remind my Egyptian brothers and sisters to consider. They come together to reveal the secret to generous service, sustainable ministry, and thriving even during difficult COVID times.
The disciples only figured it out as they lived the life of faith empowered by the Spirit. When we don’t feed on God, we feed on whatever we ourselves can muster. The way to be sure not to run dry is to feed on the Word daily.