I’ve always enjoyed reading the stories of Jesus in the Gospels. Even as a young adult, I found great comfort in reading the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John before bedtime.

I especially liked the stories of Jesus’ miracles. Raising Lazarus from the dead, calming a storm on the Sea of Galilee, and giving sight to the blind all prove Jesus is the Messiah.

I also love the miracle of when Jesus fed thousands with only a few loaves of bread and fish.

Or should I say “miracles”? I just recently realized that this miracle actually happened twice.

In Matthew 14:15–21 Jesus fed at least five thousand people.

In Matthew 15:32–39 Jesus fed at least four thousand people.

The feeding of 4,000 was a separate event from the feeding of the 5,000. How did I not know this? Why did I think they were the same event?

I believe it may have something to do with how the disciples reacted to Jesus’ request the second time: His disciples answered, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?” (Matthew 15:33). In a very similar situation, the disciples were again baffled.

But before I cast judgment on the disciples’ forgetfulness, I need to recognize my own lapse of memory.

I’m guilty of bowing my head in despair when faced with difficult situations. Like the disciples, I can easily forget God has cared for me in the past and He can do the same again.

When facing difficult situations, it’s helpful to have a prayer journal. A prayer journal is a place to record prayer requests and also to write praise reports.

Keeping track of answered prayer is the best way to remember that God cares for you and trust Him to be faithful.

Reading the Gospels followed by writing and reviewing a prayer journal is a wonderful way to end your day.

You can keep track of God’s blessings and answered prayers with my Prayer, Praise & Gratitude Journal, available on Amazon—a beautiful way to remember His faithfulness each day.