Don’t Miss the Obvious

Sometimes we need to be hit over the head to see what’s right in front of us. We’re sure that the keys are lost, but then we discover them in plain view on the table. We’re certain that we’re out of milk until a second look in the refrigerator reveals an unopened pint. We do it all the time: We miss the obvious.

We also miss the obvious when it comes to God. Even though his presence is with us—his promises are clear as day—we don’t always see the Lord in the events of our lives. But we’re not the only ones. In Mark 8:14-21, the disciples worried over whether they had enough bread for lunch (8:14). Silly disciples. Hours earlier the Lord had whipped up a miracle lunch and fed 4,000 people with only seven loaves of bread (8:1-9).

Still, they missed the obvious. Even though the Lord was standing right there, they did not recognize him as the Bread of Life. If Jesus had fed four thousand, could he not also feed them?

Read Mark 8:17-21 again. Notice the Lord’s dismay over the unbelief of the disciples. He says, in effect, “What is wrong with you guys? Has your memory failed you? Or is it that your hearts are hard!” Jesus could scarcely believe that his disciples failed to see what was right in front of their noses. The same is true for us. Jesus, the source of help and hope, is in the midst of every circumstance in our lives.

Bread of Life, Lord of peace, Father of all comfort, I acknowledge now that you are always with me. Please remind me, should I forget.

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