Whenever my wife and I plan to spend a day on the road away from home, we do what many people do: We bring along some food for lunch. Shirley often packs sandwiches, fruit, and cold drinks for a pleasant stop along the way. When our children were young, it was even more important to have Cheerios, graham crackers, and juice boxes handy.

The more than 5,000 people who traveled from nearby towns to hear Jesus by the Sea of Galilee apparently didn't plan ahead. Had they forgotten all about food in their excitement to be near Jesus? Were they surprised when the hunger pangs arrived? We don't know. But we do know this: One wise mother had packed some bread and fish for her son. It wasn't much, but what she had prepared for her boy became enough to feed thousands when blessed by the Lord.

Try as we might to prepare for life's needs, we do not always succeed. The unexpected happens. Then we panic. We're not sure what to do. It's at those times that we can rely on our Lord's willingness and ability to meet our needs--not only physically but spiritually as well. The words of Philippians 4:19 reassure us, "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."  — David C. Egner