Leftovers

When they had all had enough, He said to His disciples, Gather up now the fragments (the broken pieces that are left over), so that nothing may be lost and wasted. (John 6:12) AMPC

I walked into the office break room and there it was. A partially eaten sweet potato pie. Someone obviously brought it in because they didn’t want it to go to waste. I laughed to myself because I figured things like this would start to show up.

Leftovers.

It’s been a little less than 2 weeks since we celebrated Thanksgiving and I’m sure some of you either were or knew someone who put their creative juices to work. Turkey sandwiches, turkey salad, the last corner of macaroni and cheese, bean soup with ham bones. The list could go on.  I can appreciate a person with the ability to make things stretch because honestly for me, after a few days… I’m over it!

However, there’s another story we find in scripture I was reading over that caused me to look at leftovers a little differently.

In John chapter 6,  Jesus had just performed the miracle of feeding about 5000 men (not including women and children) with only 5 loaves and 2 fish (read verses 1-11). Once they finished eating and were nice and full verse 12 says Jesus instructed the disciples to, “Gather up now the fragments (the broken pieces that are left over), so that nothing may be lost and wasted. (John 6:12) AMPC

The fragments.

The broken pieces.

I had read this verse several times before but I was so wowed by the fact that there was actually something left over from what started as seemingly not enough, that I missed something else special about this moment.

While they could have just left them behind as scraps, I love that Jesus was concerned about the leftovers.

He was intentional about ensuring that nothing went to waste.

And just as He was concerned about those fragments or broken pieces of food, I’m inclined to believe the same thing applies to us as well.

Those fragments or broken pieces of our lives that we feel are forgotten. Those areas that no one else knows about. Jesus sees them friend and I want you to know they are never lost or wasted.

Romans 8:28 declares that God causes all things to work together for our good. So be encouraged that your fragments in the hands of our mighty God is a recipe for something great!

When you have a moment today check out this song by one of my favorite bands Elevation Worship and remind your heart that Nothing Is Wasted!

Until Next Time,

 

P.S. If you enjoyed this devotional check out more in my new book Pages From My Heart! It’s the perfect Christmas gift for your friends and family or your personal collection. Available on Amazon or directly from my site with 1-2 day shipping.