Recently a friend and brother in Christ posted: “I try to find the good in every situation. Wait. That was a typo. I meant “food”. I try to find the food in every situation.”
It seems quite often, if food is involved, people will come. Sales pitches are offered over free dinners. Sometimes meetings include munchies to keep attendees engaged. There are times when an event is being planned and someone will ask, “Will there be food?”.
Though I immediately caught the humor intended with the posted quote, I was also quickly drawn to a much deeper thought. Are we looking for “the food” in every situation? Such would be an act of looking for the “good” if what we have in mind is that which is truly of substance for life’s varied situations. Are we engaged in life in a manner which brings true meaningful nourishment to our life? Are we recognizing the meat of moments of interaction with others? Rather than a focus merely on our physical appetite, are there times when that is suppressed as we experience the deep satisfaction of spiritual nourishment found in encouraging and redirecting the focus of others to that which is of greatest and lasting significance? Are we finding sustaining satisfaction in service to others?
This is exactly what Jesus did when He spoke to the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. The disciples had gone to get food (John 4:8) and when they returned and urged Jesus to eat (John 4:31), His response was that He had food they did not know about. (John 4:32) This made the disciples wonder among themselves if someone had brought Him some. (John 4:33)
We then read. . .
“(34) Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.” (John 4:34 ESV)
Jesus found nourishment in the work He came to do. Though He had been wearied by the journey (John 4:6) and could have used a drink (John 4:7) as He took this mid-day break, Jesus was fed by the encounter He had with the Samaritan woman.
God has blessed me with the similar experience when moving beyond regular mealtimes while ministering to others. Focused on the substance of service being offered at the time left hunger pains behind as needs were being met and I was satisfyingly sustained. Real food was found in doing what was needed in those moments.
We would do well to look for “the food” — the meat, the substance, what nourishes — in every situation. It is the good in which to be engaged. May this remain food for thought as we go through the various encounters of our daily life!
Have a great day FINDING FULLNESS IN THE FULFILLING OF GOD’S WILL!
Carl
