And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. Matthew 14:19-20 NIV
It seems like so many people and ministries are dealing with financial issues, from unexpected repairs. Our first reaction is to panic and wonder what did we do to be dealing with this, or how could we have prevented it. But no matter the answer, it is causing lack. And now we’re wondering what to do when there’s just not enough. Why do we put ourselves through this, when we have a Savior of more than enough.
Our encouragement can be found in today’s passage. Now here was an account of serious lack. 5000 hungry men, plus women and children and only five loaves of bread and two fish. Can you say “mission impossible?” But then Jesus had the people sit down, and He took the “little” they had, looked up to heaven and gave thanks for what they had. Then He broke the bread and gave them to the disciples, and they gave them to the people. It’s interesting that in the Greek the word gave is in the indefinite tense, which means they continued to give both the bread and the fish until they were satisfied. And when it was all said and done, twelve baskets were left over!
Now consider what really took place here. Jesus could have easily created enough food for everyone out of nothing. But He chose to use a boys small lunch. Why? Because He wanted to teach us to put our lack in His hands and teach us to be thankful for the little even though it’s not enough to meet our need. Then as we’re giving thanks that little has the ability to multiply. Notice the disciples kept coming back to Him and the supply never ran out until there was much more than enough.
When we are thankful for Him and show how we trust Him by bringing our lack to Him, He is more than overjoyed to multiply what we do have. I know we want immediate answers, but the disciples had to keep coming back to Him and sometimes we also need to. But not with doubting or reluctance, but with thanksgiving and praise for what we don’t yet see. And isn’t that what faith is all about what we hope for, but not yet seen (Hebrews 11:1). and faith pleases God (Hebrews 11:6). When we step out in faith, God’s heart is so blessed that we see Him as God, He can’t help but want to not only answer us, but give us more than what we need. So if you’re like so many others who are in the place of lack, just praise and thank Him for what you do have and let God love and bless you abundantly.
gave indefinite tense
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