Trusting God’s Resources

Good morning, I hope that you are refreshed and expectant for another day with Jesus.

Today, as we continue our series about a single 24-hour period with Jesus, we’re going to focus on the boy’s offering and the choices we make about our resources and faith.

We all have plans, but James 4:13-14 reminds us, “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (James 4:13-14 NIV)

This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t plan, but it means we should hold our plans loosely and be open to God’s.   

I had lunch with a friend who shared that he starts his day by asking, “God, what are we going to do today?” He’s making himself available for God’s use. The boy with the loaves and fishes likely had his own plans, but he chose to trust and be available.

We also have to choose between our “stuff” and God’s resources. The boy came prepared, while the adults didn’t. When he heard, “Here is a child…” he was put on the spot. He could have eaten his lunch quickly, slowly, kept it for himself, or shared it. He chose to share.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous man will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25 NIV) 

And James 1:17 reminds us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”  (James 1:17 NIV) 

The boy recognized something in Jesus. He chose faith over logic. He didn’t talk himself out of God’s plan. We often limit what God can do through us when we assume what is and isn’t possible.

Romans 1:16-17 says, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16-17 NIV) 

Believing in Jesus is an act of faith. We all have our little lunchboxes, and Jesus asks us to give them to Him. When they are surrendered, it’s the makings of a miracle! 

I love this truth! God doesn’t do anything halfway. Jesus doesn’t just provide enough. No, He multiplies to a place of “more than enough.” The miracle accounts state that there was enough LEFT OVER to fill twelve large baskets! God gave more than they needed! This moment of abundance reminds me of the scripture, “ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” (Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV) 

friend, the same God who fed that crowd, knows exactly WHAT and HOW MUCH you need! Trust Him today, by offering what you can into His care. He will make it all work out and satisfy every need! Let’s pray...

Lord, help us to trust Your resources and not rely on our own. Give us the faith to step out and share what we have, knowing You will multiply it. Help us to commit fully to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Never forget, my friend, you are a miracle!