Some people have the ability to trip over the solution to a problem and not even realize it. The answer for their problem is right there, staring them in the face, and they don’t see it. It takes a creative mind, and active mind, to see potential alternate uses for things. If we get too locked into seeing the world and its objects one way, we can’t see these alternative uses. New inventions happen when people see the world from a different perspective.
I inherited my father’s tools and his few boxes of miscellaneous parts, washers, screws, bolts, brackets. Believe it or not, I have used quite a few things from those leftovers to repair or make things I needed. But in order to use them, I have to be able to see things from a different mindset.
Our current world wants to throw everything away when it breaks. I, on the other hand, want to be able to fix things and continue to use them. Of course I don’t need the latest in order to keep me happy. But I can also use my mind to think creatively and outside the box.
The disciples have been presented a problem. They must figure out a way to feed 4000 people with no resources. Their minds are stuck on what they see, and they limit themselves to their five senses. They think in purchasing power and liquid assets. They would fit right in on Wall Street.
But they miss the Resource that is standing right next to them: Jesus. He has established a track record of being able to do things that are considered impossible. He has healed just about every type of illness with a touch or a word. He has walked on water. Not an easy task when it isn’t frozen! Jesus can and does solve the problem, but they are unable to see His potential.
Jesus focuses their response when they throw up their hands and give up. He brings them back down to earth. Let’s get practical, guys. How many loaves of bread do you have? They are so busy looking at the impossible solutions, that they miss seeing what they do have.
Do you ever get so overwhelmed looking at the problem that you can’t see possible solutions? If you do, you now know you are in the company of the disciples. This is part of the human condition, getting overwhelmed in the face of what seems the impossible. I want to encourage you to slow down and look for the hand of Jesus in the middle of the impossible.
The Arnold Journey 