Are you facing a situation that seems impossible? Throughout the Bible, God’s people faced impossibilities that were often met with supernatural miracles of provision - Isaac being born to a barren 90-year-old (Sarah), or a widow who was told God would give her a supply of flour and oil that would never run out, feeding herself and her son (widow at Zarephath), or seeing a little boy’s lunch feeding thousands. God has provided, is providing, and has already provided what we need most - the promise of God’s forgiveness, life, and life forever where we will be able to say confidently, The Lord is my Shepherd; I have all that I need (Psalm 23:1). 

Mark 6:32-44

32 And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. 33 Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. 35 And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. 36 Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” 38 And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39 Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. 41 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. 42 And they all ate and were satisfied. 43 And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. 44 And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.

For Adult Homes and Groups

1. What “impossibilities” are you facing right now, perhaps in connection with your job, family, children, health, or finances? 

2. Miracles are usually preceded by problems that need solving. What were the problem(s) facing the disciples in the account of the feeding of the 5,000? 

3. What types of “hunger” are prevalent in your family, neighborhood, community, or even your church? 

4. What was the purpose of the “test” (See John 6:6) Jesus put His disciples through when He told them, “You give them something to eat”?

5. Pastor John said, “Only the inadequate are adequate” to the ministry Jesus calls us to carry out. Why would this be important to admit? 

6. Close with faith-filled prayer, asking God to reveal Himself miraculously in the areas you identified as your “impossibilities.” 

For Families with Kids

1. Read Mark 6:34-35. What do the people in this passage need? 

2. Read Mark 6:36-38. In this passage, did the disciples have what they needed to feed all those people? How much more did they need?

3. Read Mark 6:39-44. How did the people get fed? What does this tell you about who Jesus is and what He is like?

4. What is something your family needs right now? Maybe it’s a new furnace, a person to repair your car, or even a babysitter for your pet while you go on a trip. How is God providing for your family so that this need is met?

5. Pray together, thanking God for meeting your family’s need! If this need hasn’t been met yet, ask God to provide, and thank Him for His goodness!