By Doug Strickel
The New Testament book of John tells the story of Jesus teaching a crowd numbering into the thousands. He was likely tired, the crowd was tired and hungry, and the disciples suggested that He disperse them to find their own food.
Jesus, however, had a different plan. He told them to feed them. The disciples were obviously caught off guard. They had no means nor line of sight on how to pull off such an undertaking. Feeding thousands of people would be a monumental effort.
During this dialogue something special happened. We don’t know the exact details, but somewhere in this discussion, a little boy steps forward to Andrew and offers up his lunch basket. He has five little loaves of bread and two fish.
The boy, likely with his parents, came prepared for the day with a meal. Were those five loaves and two fish for him or his entire family? We don’t know for sure, but we do know that he offered it up to Andrew to help feed those who didn’t come prepared with food.
Had he overheard the conversation? Had he heard the murmurings in the crowd of being tired and hungry? We don’t know, but we do know that Jesus took this small offering and fed the entire crowd with food left over!
I don’t know about you, but that little boy challenges me, and I hope he challenges you too.
Far too often, we don’t think we have anything to offer. We downplay our gifts, abilities, and resources. We don’t adequately value our time, treasure, or talent.
- When we stay on the sidelines not thinking we are worthy of being in the game, we not only miss out on opportunities, but we may be letting others down as well.
- When we passively step aside thinking someone else will act, we miss the fulfillment of having an impact and run the risk of no one acting on a matter.
- When we listen to the negative thoughts of our unworthiness, fear or rejection, or anxiety associated with uncertainty, we hide in the shadows and miss life experiences and the possibility of what might happen.
- When we compare ourselves to others and step aside rather than leaning into an opportunity, we put way too much emphasis on what we think and not enough on what God can do!
Jesus didn’t need that little boy to feed the crowd. He could have picked up five stones and turned them into bread just as easily. However, He not only fed people that day, but Jesus also impacted a little boy for eternity. We don’t know anything about the boy after this event, but I must believe he was impacted!
- What’s in your basket that you are carrying around? Are you willing to share?
- Are you sensitive to the needs and opportunities around you? Are you too busy to notice?
- Are you willing to step out and see what God will do with what you have? Are you willing to risk failure?
Just a few thoughts to consider. If I could just be more like this little boy and just offer up what I have each day to make a difference. The little boy didn’t feed the thousands, but rather just offered up what he had. Jesus did the rest!
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox.
Just
CLICK HERE
to sign up.
