More Than Enough

One story that is told in all four of the gospels is the feeding of the 5000.  In fact, it is the only event in the life of Jesus told in all four gospels, other than the events of the cross and resurrection.  I found six principles to live by in this beautiful story.  1.  The event happened because of compassion.  Jesus was moved with compassion, and healed their sick, and when it was evening the disciples wanted to send the people away to go find food.  But Jesus said, "They do not need to go away.  You give them something to eat."  2.  This was a test of faith.  Jesus already knew what He would do, but wanted to test the faith of the disciples.  When we meet a need greater than ourselves, we should look at it as a time for our faith to act.  The disciples said, "We have here only 5 loaves and 2 fish.  So Jesus said, "Bring them here to Me."  3.  We need to bring what we have to Jesus.  It was only a boy's lunch, but when offered to Jesus, it became a miracle of multiplication.  What do you have?  Will you offer it to Jesus?  There is a miracle in waiting, when we offer what we have to Jesus.  4. Make a plan.  Jesus had the people sit down in groups of hundreds and fifties.  Jesus had a plan how to feed this great multitude.  It would not be mass confusion.  It was organized and orderly.  We need to organize our lives so we are ready for the Master's use.  5.  Teamwork.  Jesus handed the loaves and the fish to the disciples, and they handed them out to the multitude.  Jesus did not do this all by Himself.  When we step out to fulfill our place in the body, we are part of a team.  We cannot do it ourselves.  We need to work together with others to accomplish God's plan.  6.  There is more than enough.  It would have been wonderful if the story read that everyone ate and was filled.  But there was more than enough!  God has a storehouse filled with more than enough for every need.  God is not stingy, nor short in supply.  He knows how to multiply!  He will bless us more than we could have imagined!  Our part is to act in faith, bring our offering, organize our life for Him, and work together as a team.  He will be more than enough!

Is God more than enough for me?