Peas or Peels?

Bible Reading: Psalm 23

At lunchtime, Breslyn watched in amusement as her little brother Kyle sat in his high chair, stubbornly shaking his head and refusing to eat the strained peas Mom was offering him. “Maybe you should give him some applesauce,” suggested Breslyn. “He always likes that.”

“Yes,” said Mom, “but he needs other things too. He has to learn to eat them.” She took Kyle out of his high chair and set him on the floor. “Maybe we should let him get good and hungry before we try feeding him again.”

“Maybe,” agreed Breslyn. “Can I have a banana?”

“Sure,” said Mom as she went to answer the phone.

Breslyn helped herself to a banana and put the peeling in the trash can when she was finished. When she turned around, she saw that Kyle had found the banana peel and had it clenched between his teeth. “Kyle!” exclaimed Breslyn as Mom came back to the kitchen. “Look at him, Mom!” Mom smiled and shook her head as she took the banana peel out of Kyle’s mouth.

“You decided to eat that icky peel instead of the good lunch Mom made for you?” Breslyn asked him. But little Kyle didn’t understand. He wanted the banana peel back. “Silly baby,” said Breslyn. “Don’t eat peelings from the trash can! Eat the nice food Mom fixes. She makes all kinds of yummy stuff.”

“That’s right,” said Mom. “I’ll give him all he needs and only what’s good for him.” She paused, then added, “Too often we’re like Kyle ourselves.”

“No, we’re not!” said Breslyn indignantly. “No one else in our family eats out of the garbage can!”

“No, not physical food,” agreed Mom, “but I was thinking how easy it is to forget that God supplies us with everything we need. Instead of remembering that Jesus has given us eternal life and promises to provide for all our needs, we often try to fulfill our needs through earthly possessions and amusements. Those things are garbage compared to what Jesus gives us. They’re like peels, not peas.”

“I know what you mean,” Breslyn said. “The next time you see me going for garbage, remind me to look to Jesus instead!” -Sherry L. Kuyt

How About You?

Do you have a need in your life? A need for friends? Or a sense of self-worth? Do you try to fulfill those needs by hanging out with popular kids or buying cool stuff? Those things aren’t necessarily bad, but don’t expect the things of this world to truly satisfy your needs. Only Jesus can do that. He may not give you everything you want, but you can trust
Him to supply everything you need.

Today’s Key Verse:
Philippians 4:19 My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Today’s Key Thought:

God provides for our needs