I don’t know where you stand on leftovers. Some people love leftovers. Some hate them. For me, it depends on the particular food. I don’t love foods that get soggy that are supposed to have a crunch. I do, however, love soups and sauces. They tend to marinade the longer the ingredients are fused together. I love spaghetti sauce on day two actually much more than on day one. It’s like the flavors have settled together into a harmonious blend and I look so forward to eating it again. Plus, it’s already done. No prep work of chopping and dicing. It’s a win/win!

Jesus had an interesting episode with leftovers when He was teaching during His ministry. He was in a remote place and there was a large crowd. The disciples thought the people should be sent away to get food because it was getting late. “But Jesus said, ‘That isn’t necessary—you feed them.’ ‘But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!’ they answered. Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers.” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭14‬:‭16‬-‭17‬, ‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Wow! This was truly a miracle. If you look at the story on the surface, you see people being physically fed. And they were! However, there’s more to the story. They were in the presence of The King of the universe. As their stomachs were being fed, so were their spirits. Yes, there was leftover food, but the best part that they got to take home to marinade over was Jesus’ words! Physical food is temporary. God’s Word is eternal. “Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭35‬ ‭NLT‬‬) Physical food will sustain you for only a short while. God’s Word is something that will sustain you for life. 

We are spirit, soul and body. It’s important to be concerned about what you’re feeding yourself in all three areas. I would say that your spirit needs to be paid the most special attention to. Your spirit is the real you. When The Bible refers to your heart, it’s speaking of your spirit. This is the part of you that God deals with. “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” (‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬) This is powerful! If our hearts determine the course of our lives, we’ve got to be specific about what we let in. We have to be deliberate about who we let in. Making sure Jesus is King of your heart is key. Getting His Word in your heart is vital. This brings life. 

“But Jesus replied, ‘I have a kind of food you know nothing about.’ Then Jesus explained: ‘My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.’” (‭‭John‬ ‭4‬:‭32‬, ‭34‬ ‭NLT‬‬) This is certainly the food that will carry you when times of famine come. I’m not talking about a physical famine, but a raging storm in your life. Jesus was nourished by staying in The Father’s Will and carrying out His personal assignment. We, as followers of Christ, need to imitate Him. There’s nothing as fulfilling as walking in your God given callings and knowing what His promises are to you as His children. This makes for a healthy personal body and the Body of Christ (the church). He wants His church thriving and well. He wants us to literally take in our daily bread. “Jesus replied, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’” (‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭35‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

If you stay yoked up to Jesus, He will always make sure you’re well fed. “When you see these things, your heart will rejoice. You will flourish like the grass! Everyone will see the Lord’s hand of blessing on his servants— and his anger against his enemies.” (‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭66‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬) You can walk in the peace and prosperity of life that He offers. You will overflow with His goodness and there will always be lots leftover to share.

Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband Robby and cat Harold.