“When Jesus looked up and noticed a huge crowd coming toward Him, He asked Philip, ‘Where will we buy bread so these people can eat?’ He asked this to test him, for He Himself knew what He was going to do.”
– John 6:5-6

Being tested is a by-product of participating in sports. If we coach, we will be tested. Our opponent may look unbeatable on tape, a rash of injuries may not allow us to field our best team, or we could be questioning our own ability to lead. In the movie, Facing the Giants, head football coach Grant Taylor and his team were being tested. A new season was about to begin. The team’s best running back had transferred to another school and frustration was slipping into the attitudes of the coaches and players. In a pivotal scene, Coach Taylor tested a star player who was also a team leader. The player was challenged to get on all fours, and with another player on his back, crawl as far as possible. Coach Taylor asked this question, “Can I count on you to give your absolute best?” Saying, “Yes”, the player proceeded to crawl the entire length of the football field. What seemed to be impossible had been achieved.

Jesus was tested when over 5,000 men, women and children came to hear Him speak and the crowd had to be fed. Even though the disciples had witnessed Jesus perform thousands of miracles, they could not understand how this was going to happen. Jesus not only fed the entire crowd, there were plenty of leftovers. A lack of faith had been exposed and the disciples realized that God was enough. What about you? How strong is your faith? Do you believe God is enough? Our daily challenge is to realize that we can count on God and His provision is always more than enough.

Heavenly Father, as I face the tests of today, give me Your strength. Help me to see that I am not alone, You are with me and You are enough. Amen.