I don’t know about you, but sometimes following God feels too hard. Loving those I’m called to love and serving those I’m called to serve can feel almost impossible. My flesh is weak and selfish. I don’t want to do the right thing, and even when I finally buckle down and try to do it, I end up frustrated because I was working in my own strength. 

Yes, sometimes obeying Christ feels impossible.

I think Jesus’ disciples in the Bible could relate to my struggle.

It had been a day of miracles. Crowds had followed Jesus to a quiet place making it not so quiet anymore. Full of compassion, Jesus had healed those who were sick, and as the hour grew late, people’s stomachs probably began to growl.

Jesus’ disciples told him to send the crowds away so they could go get something to eat. 

But Jesus doesn’t listen to their suggestion, and then he answers their instruction with an instruction of his own. “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat” (Matt. 14:16b).

I expect there was some raised eyebrows, maybe some dropped jaws. Us? How could we ever do such a thing? Feed 5,000+ people? All we have is 5 loaves and 2 fish that some little boy gave us.

Surely we don’t have what it takes. Surely we can’t obey Jesus’ command.

Was Jesus being unfair? Was his command cruel and unfeeling? Perhaps it felt that way. 

But as the disciples would soon find out. God is not only the command-giver. He is also the one who empowers their obedience. He doesn’t just say, “Do this. Find a way.” He says, “Do this, and come to me so I can help you accomplish it.”

As it turns out, the little bit they had was more than enough, because it was Jesus who was working. The disciples were actually able to give the people food, because Jesus was doing it through them. 

And as we too make our home in Christ and set our minds on the things of him, he produces good fruit in us. He enables us to obey (Jn. 15:5; Rom. 8:5; Col. 3:2).

Praise the Lord!