I love the story of the feeding of the 5000, included in all four gospels. “Only five loaves”–which Jesus multiplies and uses to satisfy thousands. Our God is mighty and can do anything. He can accomplish His plans by any means, and chooses to use His people in order to develop us and bring glory to Himself through our transformation and exercising gifts He has bestowed.
After a long day dealing with grief over the cruel death of his beloved cousin John the Baptist, and healing great crowds of needy people, he calls on His disciples to feed the crowd of about 5000 men, plus women and children. “We have only five loaves here, and two fish.” Then He took what was offered, gave thanks, and had them distribute to the seated crowds; all were satisfied and twelve basketful were left over!
How often do I feel my abilities, resources, knowledge to contribute are limited, insufficient, even unworthy? Jesus invites me simply to open my hands in expectant faith and offer them, turn them over to Him. He does the multiplying, the divine work, and graciously, purposefully includes me in the actual distribution, working alongside my heavenly supervisor. He feeds me, and others, in unimaginable ways so He receives the glory.
Lord, what I see as meager, You see as possibility. What I see as “only,” You see as enough. Unfold my fingers, use me. To You who are able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to You be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
As the rain and snow 