What does it mean to cast your bread upon the waters? When you cast something away, you release it. What happens when you release it, where does it go? Well, we don’t know, do we?
Here’s the verse in full: “Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days.” (Ecclesiastes 11: 1)
- When we do something kind or good without expecting anything in return, God will reward us.
- Be adventurous, accept risks, and reap the benefits of it. We don’t have to always play it too safe. But don’t be reckless.
“One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.” (Proverbs 11: 24)
This kingdom principle goes against what we are taught, logically. In the natural, we think, if we withhold we will gain. Actually, the opposite happens within the sowing and reaping principle–the Kingdom of God principle.
- Whatever we have given, will come back to us with interest.
Jesus is not against obtaining wealth, but He watches how we steward it.
Jesus turned over the tables of the money changers in the temple who were selling doves. He said to them, “My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it into a den of robbers.” (Matthew 21: 12-13)
- The merchants were making the temple a noisy, smelly, marketplace, and interfering with God’s provision.
- The merchants were taking advantage of the people; and, robbing the temple of its sanctity.
- The temple was a place to worship, pray and honor God–for all nations.
Our God is large and in charge. Loss doesn’t always mean more loss. Loss is sometimes the stepping stone for gain. The stock market cannot steal or rob our money if we have stewarded it well. God sees that. He knows what we need before we need it.
- “Therefore, we do not lose heart. (2 Corinthians 4: 16)
- “Consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. (Philippians 3: 8)
- “Whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.” (Philippians 3: 7)
Focus on God being a good Father. Trust everything we have cast (thrown) away to be in the hands and eyes of our God. Final step. Here’s the hard part:
- Trust the outcome to Him.
“Aaron’s staff had not only sprouted, but had budded, blossomed and produced almonds.” (Numbers 17: 8)
The original proclamation from the Lord said, “The staff belonging to the man I choose, will sprout and I will rid myself of this constant grumbling against you by the Israelites.” (Numbers 17: 5)
- God exceeded the demands of the test so that there might be no uncertainty as to WHO had acted or WHAT He intended by His action.
- All this uncertainty in our world right now is an opportunity to trust God like never before.
- He is certainly over it all.
- Yes, trust all outcomes to God!
Consider, “What will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4: 17)
- Our God is good, all the time!
- What He allows is for our good.
- What He removed is still for our good.
- What is remaining He will use for good.
- What has been stolen, He can replenish and restore.
- Learn to not focus on the loss, but focus on what we gain.
There’s a return that’s coming that’s greater than what is expected or even imagined. “He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us to Him be glory…”(Ephesians 3: 20-21)
To Him Be glory: The ultimate goal of our existence.
Read this version: “Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for His miraculous power constantly energizes you.” (Ephesians 3: 20-21, TPT)
This was Paul’s prayer for the Ephesian church, to be rooted and grounded in God’s power and love. It’s still the prayer of Jesus for us. Remember, He is our Intercessor.
(Ecclesiastes 11: 1-8, Matthew 21: 1-27, Numbers 17-18, Modified)
UNBROKEN LOVE SERIES
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