***Left-Overs in the Wind***



The wind blew them away. Tiny crumbs of bread, each one less than the size of a grain of sand. They were once a whole loaf. They were at a banquet, served by waiters to princes and princesses. But somehow they got disenfranchised, deprived of their citizenship to the whole loaf of bread. They fell to the ground, yet the people were unaware. They lay there in silent darkness. No one bothered about them. No one looked under the table in sheer curiosity. They just lay there in silence until the banquet was over. Oh, how they never anticipated the next woeful treatment. For the first time in their 'bread-life' they felt the touch of a broom. They felt pricks sharper than needles enveloping them into a cloud of dust. They were gathered together into twelve baskets and thrown right in the middle of the town square. Then the wind came...and they were dispersed...


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"There was famine in the land...then a man came from Baal Shalisha, and brought the man of God bread of the first-fruits, twenty loaves of barley bread, and newly ripened grain in his knapsack. And Elisha said, "Give it to the people, that they may eat." But his servant said, "What? Shall I set this before one hundred men?" He said again, "Give it to the people, that they may eat; for thus says the Lord: 'They shall eat and have some left over.' So he set it before them; and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the Lord." 2 kings 4: 38, 42-44

God never gives in exact amounts...in addition to material things He says, "my grace is sufficient for you." There will always be something extra. The psalmist says "my cup runneth over." God gives joy, laughter, and satisfaction in abundance. Some of the water overflows, and some of the crumbs fall to the ground as left-overs. But we tend to forget all about our left-overs. When Jesus fed 5,000 people, his disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. Every time God performs a miracle, there are always some left-overs to take home.
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Our left-overs are the fragments of laughter that remain after a testimony. They are pieces of joy from past experiences. Healed sores from a ghastly accident, broken pieces of clay glued together again, and colorful pieces of our memories. We hardly ever look back to see what God has done for us. We are always concerned with the here and now. But there's joy in picking up our left-overs...
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Two days ago I had beads of sweat coming down my face. What I had been expecting in my mail had not yet come and the deadline had arrived. How was I going to solve this situation? I looked to the West, East, and South...but there was no solution. I made phone calls to several people, but there was no solution. It was just impossible to start my internship because the authorization I needed to start hadn't yet arrived. There was no solution. Yet, the deadline was here. The time was now, but my feet were planted and I could not move. How could I miss this opportunity?
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After a while, I shrugged my shoulders. I began to remember my fragments of joy. Past testimonies where God showed up. My God came and was not silent! He's performed miracles for me before, so hey if He felt now was the right time to intervene, I bet myself that He would. Those fragments of joy from my past were my left-overs. I may not have my testimony now, but I have my memory. If He could do it for me then, He can definitely do it again. Lol. There is no gate that will not open when the King of Glory is coming in. As soon as they anticipate His arrival they will remove their locks and split open.
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See, no one would look under the table for your own left-overs. You have to remember them yourself. You are the only one that can stretch out your hands and find those crumbs. You can tantalize your memory to see your past testimonies. It is not the end of the matter. If God has done something for you before, what makes you think He cannot do it again? He will come just at the right time...not one second early or one second late. But just in time. Soon enough, our stories will be told to the Nations. Stories that illustrate how the left-overs became whole loaves of bread.
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Don't forget your left-overs. They will give you JOY while you're patiently waiting for the next answer to come. If He has done anything for you before, He can do this one too. Just hold on. Even if you can't feel the ropes.

53 comments:

Zoe Believer said...

Thanks Jaycee for being a vessel of honour. I will hold on until my change comes. Remain blessed

Remi, United Kingdom said...

aaaaaaaaaaarh... got beat to first! okay I am second. let me do a dance first! going to read now :-))). See Jaycee, u are such a blessing, u got me hungry and thirsty for what's to come next!
much luv

Rinsola said...

God really is amazing. After reading these words "There is no gate that will not open when the King of Glory is coming in", I was just reminded about certain things i want God to do for me that hasn't been done, and all i heard was "Think back to times i have come through for you" And i started tearing, 'cos those words made me remember that He is more than able, if only i can be thankful and just keep believing. Jaycee, thanks for sharing.

darkelcee said...

Had my "downtime" a while back and i wept really hard. when i was thru i felt silly cos what came to my mind was.... darkelcee, I've not brought you this far to leave you.

Thanks for this piece dear.God bless you and i am confident that he will make a way for you!

Remi, United Kingdom said...

Jaycee, God bless you and keep you real good. Thank you so much for this post. I am humbled. I had to pause and say a prayer of forgiveness for all those times that I simply did not remember to look down and around me at "my left overs"!!!! You are so right. Reading this the Holy spirit just thought me that even the "left overs" of our testimonies have the essence and the power to actually bring us out of present situations!!! Imagine that! Sometimes when we are in dire need of a break through, just thinking about what he has done, how he came through in the past, is actually the just key to unlock strongholds of current issues we face. It's amazing, even the very far removed remotenes of his word, has ultimate power of deliverance! Jaycee, the Psalmist reminds us in Psalm 138:2 that God has magnified his word above His name. So every word concerning that which you are waiting for, will be delivered and in its just time, he most certainly come through.
You are a vessel and a wonderful blessing through your obedience of sharing the word.
Much love

Jennifer A. said...

Believer...that's all u need to do girlie...just hold on. Infact, we're here to make sure u're still holding on...lol. :) Change will come...

Rinsola...ahhh...let me even spicen it up more for you. Let your mind drift away to actually visualize the whole scenery...imagine a powerful horse rider approaching HUGE golden gates...imagine the noise and rattling sounds made as the gates break open at the sound of the horses hooves...they part open because they recognize Who the horse rider is...(what got me was the visual effects). He is more than able...please never stop believing. Even in my hardships, I know He's there...He's in the wind, the air, in everything...:)

Darkelcee...AMEN. I'm waiting for the miracle so I can tell it to Nations...:)

Remi...u're reminding me that Jesus said, "some have eyes but cannot see." May our eyes always be open to see what God is doing in our midst. It's dangerous to know that when God is moving, some eyes are still blind and they can't see Him. You said, "Reading this the Holy spirit just taught me that even the "left overs" of our testimonies have the essence and the power to actually bring us out of present situations!!!" Wowwww...I never saw it that way before. Thank You Holy Spirit! Amen to your prayer too...thanks, u're a blessing in disguise! (Well not too much in disguise, it's pretty obvious...from ur words). :)

Naapali said...

I have done as requested and letting you know as requested.
Glad to be of service.

Ayomipo Matthew Edinger said...

i was reading this post offline at home, and when i got to the "two days ago..." paragraph, i sped up my reading looking for the moment when the miracle happened...that's when i realized this was not a post after the fact...u were still waiting while u were writing...that's what blew me! so i said a prayer for you and thanked God in advance for the testimony. God bless you.

Chris Ogunlowo said...

Jaycee: Thanks for this. Thanks.

Sasuke said...

nice write up Jaycee your words are wisely spoken.tahnks for reminding me i have to search in the deepest part of my memories to remember God's inputs in my life as it would be a foundation of greater things to come in my life. thanks alot dear.
hope you had a wonderful weekend

Parakeet said...

Are you in training to become a Pastor or you're already once. This is a powerful message. A message in time that is much needed. God bless you fro being a blessing to me.

O'Dee said...

"There is no gate that will not open when the King of Glory is coming in"

Thank you very much for this.

love the way u write.

Unknown said...

Of all the artistic picture, this day's my favorite.
Jaycee, you're always a blessing to us. I was just thinking about stopping by when I saw your comment on my blog

God Bless

Thirty + said...

Hmmmn deep stuff Jaycee.

Left overs I will not overlook any more

Vera Ezimora said...

Jaycee love, please visit this girl's blog and tell her there is a God. She doesn't believe He exists. I'm freaking out here. What is life without God. Her name is Celestina. Here's the link to the post: http://sole-searchin.blogspot.com/2008/05/god-or-not.html

Jennifer A. said...

Naapali...thanks Dr. I got there before u even told me...(or at least before I saw ur poke)...ooooohhh thankssss!!! Loved ur synopsis...u're a star o...*wink*

DisGodkidd...I'm feeling more excited knowing u guys are praying for this testimony too...lollll..."I feel good, parararararaaaa..." Yeah, my praise is in advance!

Aloof and Far...u're welkie dearieeeee...:)

Sasuke...searching for ur deepest memories of miracles will surely make u laugh...trust me...lolll. And yes, it will be a foundation of greater things to come in your life (I liked the way u coined that!)

Parakeet....lol...nope, I'm not in training to become a pastor o...lollllll...and nope, I'm not one...I'm doing my Masters for somn else...muhaha. I really thank God that u've been blessed so far...guess what? This is only the beginning. I believe that God will reveal Himself more to all of us on blogsville...that He will open our eyes to see Him for Who He truly is...muahhhh! I commented on ur latest post a few hours ago...beaurriful!

Oluwadee...no gate can even dare to remain closed...it won't survive! Thanks...*insert smiley face*

Olamild...ha ha, u liked this one best? That's really cool...it's not my personal favorite, but I love the way the stars in the wind are almost within her grasp...(and it seems as if she's blowing them out of her mouth...most of all they look like bread crumbs). :)

30+...I'm totally with you on that one...*wink* Hope ur week has been fantastic so far. Especially after the climax of ur birthday...lolll.

Vera...sometimes there's so much we can say. But we can pray about it...and I trust God will reveal Himself to her at the right time...(I'll do as u asked)...muah!

Anonymous said...

Thank you Jesus for your overflowing blessings . I will enjoy the left overs while I wait for new blessings that will come on time.

uNWrItten* said...

boooooooooooooooooooo!!
im well o...how are u luv?..
its funny..leftovers are not something we often treasure but i guess that has to change..One man's treasure is another man's trash..I really liked this..but then..i love everything u write :)

Smaragd said...

u have blessed me greatly this morning darling.

i needed that message badly.

and because u've been a blessing to me, u have no choice but to be blessed greatly in return.

I pray that mail u are expecting comes in soon, so u can share the testimony dear

Jay said...

Thank you soo much for this post....sometimes we forget that God is ever faithfull and always delivers..this is a beautiful piece.

I hope you get your internship sorted...praying for you.

SOLOMONSYDELLE said...

"Hold on even if you can't feel the ropes"

Hmmm, another inspirational message for me to conquer the day with. Thanks Jaycee!

Unknown said...

Thanks... I said I'll be back and I am. (See my reply to your comments, on my blog)

Such a wonderful and unique insight into blessings and miracles. Inspirational as always.

webround said...

reply to question you left on my blog ---

when you select a city, and price range and have the rentals displayed for you, to sort by a column, click on the column name/header (the gray colored row on top). For example to sort by price, simply click on "price"; to sort by date, click on "date"

Kafo said...

ahhh
now i can go to bed

thanks

K
of course i am loving the C.Crowns song in your playlist

rethots said...

Oh, how so easy we forget 'our crumbs' in the light of present trying moments......

A call to never to forget that He who has always performed will surely sort us out at all times.

Nice one, thanks.

princesa said...

You know, i admire ur faith so much dear. God must be so proud.

Afrobabe said...

As inspirational as ever..

Somehow I only come to ur blog when I am down and need reassurance..
Yes, it helped….still feel like crying though..

Lindah said...

My convenant with christ shall never be broken

Simi Speaks said...

delivered clear, concise and effective! as usual!

love u! can i actually say that without knowing ya? Dunno, u might be a lil' crazzii! lol.

ur words are tuly inspirational,hon.

chichi said...

God can and will come through, halleluyah. girl you are BLEST!! you are too much, thank God for you o!

and i love this india arie song mehn, it plays on the tyra banks show abi?

bless u xx

The poets voice ~~~ said...

jaycee! i thank God i found blogger cos if i hadnt i iwouldnt have found ur blog.lol
u r a real inspiration..sometimes its easy to forget what God has done and become bitter and sad but when you think of the left-overs the joy that comes flowing into ur heart is just overwhelming.
thanx for the reminder..i hope u get your internship sorted.i'll be praying for u..( oh by the way i just finished readin reedeming love as well and that book brought me to my knees and brought tears to my eyes..i wonda which book u r readin next.)
stay Blessed.

Jennifer A. said...

Olubern...muah! Mucho gracias dearie! Lol

Unwritten...I guess the thing is that we don't want to look bad at our past experiences sometimes, especially if they were never really good. But as the psalmist said, "God lifted me out of the miry clay...out of the fowler's net." That probably brought a smile to his lips...even in the moments when he was being chased by his enemies...at least he had his memory to know that if God could rescue him before, then He would do it again. Haleluyah!!! Lol. Even yesterday, I had to relinquish my doubts abt my future...as I looked back at my past! It's kind of an endless process...it's a memorial that will keep showing itself from generation to generation...nan, see the long epistle wey u inspire me to type...ndikwa scary! Lol.

Smaragd...I'm shouting a big Amen to that. Yesterday I was telling someone that if God could give me that opportunity in the fist place, then He can even raise up a bigger one...He has no limitations or boundaries...ha ha!

Jarrai...yeah, it's easy to forget sometimes. That's why we need to fellowship with each other and remind ourselves. That's why Jesus told his disciples to always "break bread" together...to remember that he sacrificed his body and blood for the salvation of the entire world..this post is a form of "breaking bread" with everyone too...(amen to ur prayer)...

Solomonsydelle...I know right? Another one-liner we can all hold on to...give my greetings to oga and the easier crew o...

naijalines...I went back yesterday to investigate ur response. Don't we all feel guilty sometimes? I wonder what naughtiness u're hope to...hope it's not too naughty to put u in big trouble....he he....

Webround...thanks dear...I'll keep that in mind when I do another round of searches soon......love ur insight on stuff! Beaurrriful!

Kafo...MWAH MWAH MWAH!!! Hope u had a good rest!!! Shebi u know proverbs 3:24 also says, "When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet." I knew u would love CC! I think it was on ur blog a long while back...

Rethots....yes o, the One who gave in abundance before (in such a way that we had crumbs left over) will not hesitate to do it again...no, He won't!

Princesa......*smile* (thank God for His GRACE)

Afrobabe...what's that saying that when u cry it's not necessarily because u're sad, but because u need to get rid of the extra water in ur eyes...lolll..ok, just kidding. So Afrobabe did u cry? On an honest note, I am ecstatic to know that sometimes u're uplifted just by reading the Word...you see, it takes just ONE WORD to lift us up when we're down, and God's word is the only thing that has the "permanent" power to do that....every other thing is temporary and will fade away...muahhh!!!!

Lindwee...I'll agree with you and say Amen, because whatever we agree upon will be what will happen...how have u been? :)

Simi Speaks....ha ha ha...u never know, I may be a lirrule crazy (u're right)...but in a good way sha...everyone needs a little MADNESS to spice up their day, no be so? He he....u can it jo.......yayyyy!!! The feeling is even mutual sef...I guess there are some joint connections we all feel when we're committed to a certain community...he he...

Chichi...are u serious? I'm not even sure about that, I love Tyra, but I'm hooked on ANTM and not her talk show....he he. How are u dearie? How's work and everything? Bless u too...:)

Poet's voice....wow, I thank God u found blogger o. Now I can explore your thoughts as well...lol. U're reminding me of one woman's name in the bible. Her name was "mara" which means "sorrow." (I think it's also translated to mean "bitter"). Being bitter leads us down a bottomless hole of depression. When a person is bitter, their eyes may be open but they won't be able to see brand NEW opportunities and open doors...it's really not a good place to be in. Thank God for left-overs and memorials!!! Abt the BOOK...woohoo...whenever I find someone who has read Redeeming Love, I feel as though I want to enter their brains. How did u feel? I can't even describe the way I felt after I was done reading. That must have been my fastest read ever, seeing as I never wanted to drop the book. I'm reading about Hadassah now, the first book in the "Mark of the Lion" series..."Voice in the Wind." I just haven't put up the picture of the book under my "books" section on the side-reel yet. Will do that soon...lollll. Have you read the series yet? They are also by Francine Rivers. :)

Jennifer A. said...

@ Poet's voice...so I just checked that name up on biblegateway....it was Naomi (Ruth's mother-in-law) that told people to call her Mara, after the sad things that happened to her...because her life, according to her, had become bitter...

The Life of a Stranger called me said...

WOW - To think I've going to bed siinging, waking up singing thank HIM for He is just too too great. Where will I be if it hadnt been for the Lord. God has indeed been too too good to me. I cant help but testify of His goodness.

Mommy said...

"Don't forget your left-overs. They will give you JOY while you're patiently waiting for the next answer to come. If He has done anything for you before, He can do this one too. Just hold on. Even if you can't feel the ropes."

Thanks Girl. Thank you for this reminder.

How you doing?

Mommy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Flourishing Florida said...

aptly put!!!!!

but hey, u ddnt say what den happened abt d authorization letter?

Afrobabe said...

Yeah..I finally cried and felt God asking me if I feel better now since I just wanted to make noise...I actually started laughing...

Thx

Jayn Sean said...

Wow! Jaycee, this is soo deep. In too deep. Made me cry...

You okay?

wellsbaba said...

true....word...dnt4get leftovers!...God really wants us to remember what he has done n even share our testimonies its anoda way of evangelising!

Unknown said...

how r ya?

Anonymous said...

jaycee this is deep!!!i was in awe as i read about the crumbs that fell of the whole bread!!!you really inspire us o!

Unknown said...

I am inspired!

It feels good good to be here...

Nice blog!

eFJay said...

I'm back, i'm done with exams.
I wish you God's favour in ur exam and project! Hope u r gud. xxx

ef babe

bighead said...

Great writing as usual...makes plenty of sense

Straight from the heart said...

I am glad, I am glad I came back to read to read the whole piece what a blast, what a joy to have discovered your blogs.....
by the way God speed in your coming exams I just had one which went well.

Anonymous said...

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Remi, United Kingdom said...

Good luck with exams... I wish you all of God's favour and much more.
Retentive, recollective memory and much more... much love

Allied said...

Where are u now????

Smaragd said...

u are being sorely missed love, how'd the paper/exam go?

come back and uplift us some more, the one week's almost up!

feather said...

rest and come back.

Remi, United Kingdom said...

Hey luv, I'm trusting God that your exams went well. So it's Friday, and I hope you are resting and coming back soon oh before I resort to stalking this blog :-) I am eager for the words to come next.. lol... cus I just know that God must have given you some serious words to drop on these pages...even whilst you were in the exam hall! lol baba is just funny like that...
much luv

eFJay said...

Hey sweets! hw've u been? hw'd ur exam go? and ur project? Hpe u r good.

ef babe