GOD’S HEART FOR SUSTAINABILITY.

On July 24th, 2024, Grace Klein Community posted pictures of empty refrigerators and bread shelves on social media with the caption, “!!We are out of food!!!”

For an entire day, we found ourselves without food, a faith building situation for our team, who serve thousands of people every day. In a moment of scarcity, our staff gathered to pray for food—not for ourselves, but for the families depending on us.

As the day went on, small food rescues trickled in, and a medium-sized catering pickup arrived. Yet, as quickly as the food came in, our team faithfully pushed it right back out. We trusted God to provide in abundance and refused to cling to the little we had.

How did God respond to our prayers and unwavering faith? With a 20,000-pound after-hours food rescue! Twenty staff members, interns, and volunteers stayed up past midnight to move the food from the food donor to our hubs in Hoover and Bessemer. Our fridges and freezers could barely contain the abundance, and the following day, we worked tirelessly to get the food into the hands of those who needed it.

The Lord provides, sustains, and cares for His people, His work, and His resources. We need to pray, trust, and steward well.

What are we sustaining?

In Genesis 1 and 2, God created the heavens and Earth, calling His creation good. From the smallest cell to the vast universe, He designed a world of immense beauty and detail. When God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden, He gave him a clear directive in Genesis 2:15—to “work” and “take care” of the garden. This command extends to all of humanity, calling us to steward and protect the earth He has entrusted to us. Sustainability is about faithful stewardship. God has provided resources to meet all our needs. When we manage them wisely, we ensure that our neighbors, children, and grandchildren are provided the same opportunities and blessings we have. A perfect example of God’s provision and stewardship is found in Jesus’ miraculous feeding of the 5,000.

The Miracle of the Loaves and Fish

John 6:1-15 recounts how Jesus fed 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fish. Three years into His ministry, on the far shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus and His disciples sat down on a mountainside, and a large crowd pursued. Jesus turned to Philip and asked where they could buy bread to feed the crowd. Thinking practically, Philip replied that it would take more than 6 month’s wages for each person to have a single bite. Andrew, another disciple, pointed out a boy with five small barley loaves and two fish but questioned, “How far will they go among so many?” (John 6:9, NIV). Oh, how far indeed. Jesus took the bread, gave thanks, and the distribution began. With only five loaves and two fish, Jesus fed everyone until the whole crowd was satisfied. But the miracle didn’t end there. Jesus commanded His disciples to, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted” (John 6:12, NIV). The disciples collected twelve baskets of leftovers! Jesus not only provided abundantly but also demonstrated resourcefulness, ensuring that nothing went to waste. His command is a model for how we should live: waste nothing. Jesus cared about both physical and spiritual sustenance. He showed us that even in times of scarcity, God provides. And in following Jesus’ example, He calls His people to steward His provision wisely. Gather and do not let one thing go to waste!

Sustaining What God Has Given Us

Jesus feeding the 5,000 proves that God provides and sustains humanity. As the ultimate sustainer, God carries those who rely on Him.

Psalm 55:22 promises, “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.” The Lord cares for you. Lean on Him, and He will sustain you through any season of life.

But just as God provides, He also calls us to care for what He has given. Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” This world belongs to God, and we are His stewards. Wherever you are, take care of what He has entrusted to you.

As we manage God’s resources, we must remember that our actions should always glorify Him. 1 Corinthians 10:31 instructs, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Like all our actions, we are honoring and glorifying God by being wise stewards.

Just as God provided an abundance of food for Grace Klein Community when we had nothing, He calls us to trust Him, steward well, and glorify Him in all we do. Faithful stewardship is an act of worship. Let’s glorify God by sustaining His provision—not just for today, but for generations to come.