Full

Have you ever been concerned about a lawnmower or snowblower needing repair, only to find that it had just run out of gas? I think this is common in our daily lives as well. Like fuel in a gas tank, we eat food each day to keep us rolling through the physical and mental challenges of life. When we skip a meal or two, our bodies have a way of reminding us that we need to eat. I believe this is what Jesus meant when He made the bold claim, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35 ESV) The timing of this statement was after the miraculous feeding of the 5,000, where people were seeking Jesus to get a temporary filling of their bellies. After connecting His multiplication of the fishes and loaves to Moses being fed manna from heaven, the crowd begs Jesus, “Sir, give us this bread always.” (John 6:34 ESV) Incredibly, Jesus offers them so much more than just full physical bellies; He offers to be the constant satisfaction of their deepest needs. 

Perhaps today you feel like you are running on fumes, or that life is simply not working for you. Perhaps you are discouraged and feeling a bit empty. I want to encourage you to consider what it looks like to come to the feet of the One who offers us spiritual food that truly fills us, the type of spiritual food that “restores our souls.” 

As we transition into a new season, I want to invite you to consider establishing new rhythms of restoration in your life. At Hope, there are a significant number of opportunities for you to fill the spiritual tank of your life. These are far more than just Sunday morning worship services. They are opportunities to connect with others, have community and accountability, and serve one another - in short, to be the very kind of person God designed you to be. I invite you to consider what next step God is calling you to take this week.

Expectantly,

Shawn