40 DAYS in the GOSPEL Sample

GIVE WHAT YOU HAVE

"But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” (Mark 6:37)

When I (Josiah) was young, there was a saying going around that went like this. “Little is much when God is in it.” I have gone through stages in life where I have understood that saying in different ways. I think at first it always sounded like a way to make myself feel better about the fact that what I had to offer the Lord by way of service was not very impressive. But it would be ok because “little is much when God is in it.”

You could see the disciples taking it that way in our text today. They present Jesus with a seemingly impossible task, feeding 5,000+ people in the middle of nowhere, and Jesus puts it back on them to see what they will do. Is this their moment to realize how pathetic they are? Is Jesus just shining a bright light on their weakness before showing off His strength?

Raising five kids has led me to many moments when one of them runs up to me in frustration to let me know that a task I have given them is impossible. I have to try to keep a straight face because I have been waiting for this moment. Why? Do I need them to know I am taller or stronger than them, and here’s my chance to prove it? No way! I love them, and I want them to know they are not in this alone. This needs to be taught because they usually just get defeated and do not automatically count on the fact that I will be there for them if needed.

I believe this is what Jesus was getting at when He asked the disciples to feed the people. As usual, He was looking to strengthen their faith. The moment when they bring what they do have to Jesus is something for us to learn from. What we have is not as important as who we bring it to. Little is much when God is in it because God loves you and welcomes you into His world where He can do powerful things in and through your life...because you trust in Him.

PRAY ABOUT IT: What are the top one or two situations in your life right now where you know you do not have what it takes to see the right thing done? Bring what you do have, and put your trust in your Father in heaven. Ask Him to do what only He can do, and be ready to work with Him.