From The Bible: Matthew 14:13-21 NIV
This story stands out to me as I consider the question: What am I willing to give to follow Jesus?
There was a large crowd—more than 5,000 men, plus women and children. They were gathered in a remote place, and there was no food. The disciples were concerned about how all these people would be fed. Among thousands of people, only five loaves of bread and two fish were available.
Many of us might not even mention the little bit we have when someone asks. We would look at the remote location, the enormous crowd, and think, What difference could my small offering make? It may not help everyone, but at least it will help me get home.
Yet Jesus took that offering and performed a miracle. Not only did He feed the entire crowd, but there were also twelve baskets of leftovers. Jesus does not simply meet our needs—He fills us to overflowing.
This was true for the people gathered there. As they sought the spiritual teaching Jesus offered, He also provided for their physical needs.
The same can be true for us.
Are there things you have held back because you thought God did not need them? Have you ever believed your gifts were too small to make a difference?
I want to encourage you to step out in faith and watch what the Lord can do.
Years ago, I was a single parent working three jobs while attending college. One Sunday morning, I quietly brought my worries to the Lord about a bill I needed to pay that month. Sitting in the pew, I shared my concern with Him in prayer.
As I was leaving the service, someone approached me and said they had some preserves they wanted to share with me and my boys. I gratefully accepted the gift and took it home.
When I opened the box, I found jars of soup and other preserves. Sitting on top was an envelope containing a note and a cheque. The note explained that the cheque was for my family’s needs and that if there was anything left over, I was to pass the blessing on to someone else.
I wept.
I had brought my worries to the Lord, and before I had even left the church, He had already provided for my need. Not only that, but there was enough for me to share with another single mother. One act of obedience became a blessing for two families.
If God can do that with finances, how much more can He do with the gifts and talents He has given you?
What might happen if you stepped forward and said, “Lord, I can offer this. Can You use it?”
Perhaps it is your time, your skills, or your willingness to serve. Maybe it is a listening ear for someone who is hurting, a smile and a kind word for a stranger, or your testimony shared with someone who needs hope.
God can use each of us in ways far beyond our imagination. When we place our small offerings in His hands, He multiplies them for His purposes and His glory.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You that You can do great things with what seems small in our eyes. Help me to trust You enough to offer You my time, gifts, talents, and resources. Use my life to bless others and to bring glory to Your name. Amen.
Dawn Berry
Executive Assistant
