Author: Evangelist Daniel Sushanth

My Mom is a remarkable woman known for her generosity, love, and culinary skills. Her cooking was an expression of her love, and she never allowed anyone to leave her home without being well-fed. In those days, kitchen appliances like mixers were not readily available, so my mom would grind spices on a stone. She would work tirelessly, even on a kerosene stove. (A kerosene stove is a type of stove that uses kerosene fuel as a heat source for cooking. It was a common household cooking appliance in many parts of the world, including India, before the widespread availability of modern gas or electric stoves.) She never once complained about cooking for my cousins and friends. It was as if she had an endless well of strength and willingness to serve.

My dad’s cousins would often visit our house, bringing along a group of 20 adults and 16 children. As my dad was working overseas, my mom took on the role of the hostess. She would arrange for chicken, herbs, and spices from the market, sometimes seeking the help of our kind neighbors to procure the ingredients. There were no grocery delivery apps like Swiggy or Bigbasket for immediate assistance back then. Meanwhile, she would begin the process of cooking, taking on the challenge with determination. It was like a marathon in the kitchen. She insisted that my cousins, being guests, should not help her.

I would observe her in the kitchen, juggling tasks like grinding spices, cleaning chicken, and preparing the delicious fried rice. Additionally, she would make our favorite dessert, custard. The aroma of the spices filled the house, enticing our appetites even more. When the time came, she would set the table with the neatly washed crockery. We eagerly awaited the feast, which she presented with great care. We would dive into the flavorful food, relishing every bite. I particularly loved her hot fried rice, chicken curry, chicken fry, and raita. The meal was truly a delight.

As we enjoyed our food, my mom would observe us, her face beaming with joy. My cousins were captivated by her culinary skills and would make sure to take the recipes with them. Furthermore, for those cousins who couldn’t attend, my mom would pack up parcels of food. In those days, we didn’t have disposable plastic containers, so she would use stainless steel multi-tiered tiffin carriers. My mom always ensured that everyone else ate before she did. She would be the last one to sit down, and there would always be an abundance of sumptuous leftovers. I admired her love, compassion, and boundless generosity.

In reflecting on my mom’s incredible cooking and the way she selflessly served others, I am reminded of Jesus, who fed thousands of people on two separate occasions. Just as Jesus knew the hunger of the people and blessed the food, my mom’s meals were not only delicious but also infused with love and care. Her cooking was a true testament to the power of compassion and the joy of giving.

According to the Bible, Jesus fed large crowds on two separate occasions. Jesus’ compassion and miraculous ability to provide for the physical needs of the people.

Feeding of the 5,000: This miracle is mentioned in all four Gospels- Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17 and John 6:1-15 Jesus took five loaves of bread and two fish and miraculously multiplied them to feed a crowd of 5,000 men, not including women and children. Everyone present ate and was satisfied, and there were twelve baskets of leftovers collected afterward.

Feeding of the 4,000: This miracle is mentioned in Matthew 15:32-39 and Mark 8:1-10. Jesus took seven loaves of bread and a few small fish and multiplied them to feed a crowd of 4,000 men, besides women and children. After everyone had eaten and was satisfied, seven baskets of leftover fragments were gathered.

We worship an incredible God who embodies compassion and love. When you find yourself in a situation where you are uncertain about having your next meal or struggling to provide for your family, have faith and turn to God.

Pour out your concerns and needs before Him, and trust that He will open doors of provision for you. God works through His chosen vessels, whether it be through the support of others or miraculous circumstances, to ensure that your needs are met. Rest assured that God’s love and care are steadfast, and He will provide for you in ways that surpass your expectations.

Father, Today, I come before you with a humble heart, seeking your guidance and provision in my time of need. Lord, you know the challenges and uncertainties I am facing, especially when it comes to providing for my family. I lay my worries and anxieties before you, knowing that you are a loving and compassionate God who cares deeply for His children. Help me to remember that just as you provided for thousands with a few loaves and fish, you can also provide for me and my loved ones. Open the doors of provision in unexpected ways and bless the work of our hands. I thank you for the love and support of those around me, who may be the vessels through which your provision flows. Bless them abundantly for their generosity and care. I surrender my worries and concerns to you, knowing that you will provide according to your will. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

A family facing financial hardships and struggling to make ends meet found themselves surrounded by a caring community. Church members, friends, and neighbors came together to provide meals, groceries, and financial assistance. Through the generosity and compassion of those around them, the family was able to weather the storm and eventually regain stability.

In situations where individuals faced severe health challenges and financial burdens due to medical expenses, prayers were lifted to God. Miraculously, opportunities for discounted treatments, support from medical professionals, and unexpected financial provisions arose. These instances served as reminders of God’s faithfulness and provision, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

These examples highlight how God’s provision can manifest in different ways, demonstrating His love, faithfulness, and ability to meet our needs in remarkable and unexpected ways. They serve as a reminder that when we place our trust in Him and seek His guidance, He can provide for us beyond what we could imagine.

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##Living by Faith##