Anna’s Bread

“But it is written. Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” Matthew 4:4 (ESV)

A couple of years ago, Anna Smith dropped by the office one morning and shared with me a still warm loaf of bread, which smelled amazing. She had been working on an old family recipe and felt confident enough to share with some of her friends. I eagerly cut a slice and was very impressed with the texture and the great flavor with just a hint of sweetness. I wanted to eat the whole loaf, but refrained knowing I would regret it and it would cost me many miles of jogging to even up the caloric intake. I took the bread home with me at lunch and eagerly cut two more slices for a sandwich. Kathy was away for a few days. I knew she would really have loved the bread, but I also knew it would not be as good by the time she returned. I felt a strong impulse to take the rest of the loaf to my backyard neighbors. I talked myself out of this, thinking that it was not really a good idea to share a three-forth loaf of bread.

The rest of the workday consumed my thoughts. On the way home, I saw a gentleman from our neighborhood in his yard. We had met once before, maybe twice. He is in his late seventies and his wife, I had heard, had recently suffered a heart attack. I really felt the Lord impressing me to stop and speak to him. I reintroduced myself and asked about his wife. We talked about her condition. Her situation is serious, but she is at home with medication. We talked about faith and family and I promised to pray for them both. I was thanking God for stopping me and also for the blessing I had received during the visit.

I was thinking of how awesome God was when I arrived back home. I opened the door and the first thing I saw on the counter was the bread. I felt strongly that God was telling me to take it to the neighbors like He had instructed earlier but I had failed to do. Having the strength of the conversation I had just experienced, I started over to the neighbor’s front door. I rang the bell and the gentleman of the home answered. I told him that I wanted to share this terrific bread that Anna had made. I was sorry it was not a full loaf, but I had snuck a few pieces for my own pleasure. I told him I really thought he and his wife would enjoy it.

The gentleman hesitated and kind of rocked back and forth indecisively. He then said, “I am going to tell you what has been going on this week. You have no way of knowing this, but two days ago, my wife’s sister died.” I responded with something like, “Oh my goodness! I am so sorry. I had no idea.” He continued. “A friend of ours fell and broke her hip. We are trying to help her. She is in rehab and we are keeping her dog. Yesterday, however, our own dog almost died from a blood disease. We have had her for seven years. We had to rush her to a veterinarian in Auburn.” I responded, “Wow you guys have really had a week.” He stopped me with tears coming to his eyes. “But that is not all,” he continued. “This morning I got a call that my mom passed away.” I was silent and numb. He spoke with a cracking voice through the tears and said, “So this is much more than just bread. It is so much more.” I knew then I was sent there for a reason. I was sent for an opportunity to share with a neighbor and to lift him in prayer. I also shared about one of the times that God strengthened me the most. It was when my dad died. I explained. “I felt the prayers of the people that prayed for me. I have never forgotten that feeling. It was truly amazing.” We shared a few more moments and then I headed home. He was touched and I was blown away. It started with Anna’s obedience to give away some bread and then it took me being prodded by the Holy Spirit more than one time before being obedient. My neighbors needed some bread that day. Yes, I took over a physical loaf, but the Spiritual bread is what they feasted on. Like my neighbor said, it was more than a loaf of bread. It was a God thing.

I called Anna and shared the story with her and thanked her for her obedience. I wanted her to know that her actions had a far-reaching effect on some people going through difficult times. I wanted to encourage her to keep sharing “the Bread.”

So, how can we live this out in a practical way?

Trust the Spirit when you are prompted. Whatever the bread is that you have to offer the situation, God will produce an overflow of nourishment for the recipient. Just like He did when feeding the 5000. He takes yours and adds so much more.

Father,

May we be ever mindful of those you place in our paths, on our hearts and minds. May we take what we have and offer it to them, however insignificant it might seem. May you use our efforts and our giving for your glory and to advance your Kingdom.

In Jesus Name,

Amen