The God of Enough!

One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what are these for so many people?” Jesus said, “Have the people recline to eat.” Now there was plenty of grass in the place. So the men reclined, about five thousand in number. Jesus then took the loaves, and after giving thanks He distributed them to those who were reclining; likewise also of the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the leftover pieces so that nothing will be lost.” So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with pieces from the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. Therefore when the people saw the sign which He had performed, they said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.”

How are you using the gifts that God has given you for the Kingdom? In the story we read of how Christ fed a multitude of people, with five loaves and two fish. We look at this is another one of the miracles performed by our Lord and Savior. And it truly is a miracle to be sure. However, there is a great lesson in this for every follower of Christ.

we see, in this illustration, Faith, trust, obedience, gratitude, and duty. All of this is demonstrated by Jesus for us. Let’s break this down a little bit.

There were 5000 people that needed to be fed. Yet there was nowhere near enough supplies from which to feed them. The disciples wanted to send them away to go get their own food. But Christ knew a better way. He determined that they had a duty to feed the sheep. He was already feeding their spiritual needs, and he needed to feed their physical needs. so he gave directions in order to accomplish this. Yet without the available resources, the apostles must’ve doubted the possibility. Christ, however, knew the truth: that all things are possible with God.

Now we see a boy with five loaves and two fish. This would’ve been enough food for him and his family. but he willingly offered it for the good of everyone. This boy knew that he had a duty to more than himself or his family. And he willingly excepted that duty. He gave not knowing if he would even be able to partake himself. He willingly gave up his comfort and sustenance for the good of others. And then, so doing, he was able to realize that when we take care of others, God will take care of us.

Now we see Christ receive a seemingly insufficient amount from which to feed the multitude. Yet what does he do? He takes the food and immediately give thanks to the Father for the provisions. He teaches us to show gratitude for what we have rather than seeking more. And then, so, doing, more was received, more than enough to take care of the multitude. Now make no mistake. This is not a prosperity message or a prosperity gospel. My intent is not to say that if we show thanks God will give us more stuff. I am referring to gratitude with the right mindset for the right things. And with God, the right things are always related to others and selflessness.

When they began to break the bread and separate the fish, what they found was after each breaking, and each separation, they still had the same amount in each hand! Every time they gave away what was in their hands, it was immediately replenished. When you utilize your spiritual gifts for others, and you do so, without holding back, God will replenish the well! He is a God of enough! He always ensures through the Holy Spirit, that you have the resources you need to do his work. However, in order for this to work, you must step out in faith, and be willing to give all that you have, knowing that you will be replenished and restored in order to continue doing His will. Do not hold anything back, saving it for later.

What do I mean by this? As a pastor I give everything I can in a message. It is not a message from me, or from my mind it is a message that I am tearful to ensure comes from the Spirit. And I am parked it to the congregation as God wills it. When I know the message, I’m going to give, I do not attempt to separate any of that so that I have enough to speak the next week. I trust that God will give me the message for the next week. And He always does! My trust in my faith in God’s provision is what enables me to continue doing His work.

Do not feel you are ill-equipped and unable to serve with what you have. We worship a God of enough! Give thanks for what you have to work with, be obedient and show faith. Step out in faith and serve, and trust that God will provide you with more than enough for ehat you need. Do not hold back hoping to save some in reserve. (Consider the rules of God’s provision of mana in the desert). You will be replenished!