Limited Resources

The Gospel of John, chapter 6, describes the miracle of Jesus feeding 5000 people. A boy offered his 5 pieces of bread and 2 fish to Jesus, who divided and distributed it to the masses. After everyone was satisfied, they collected the leftovers, and the scraps filled 12 baskets.

Most of us Christians have heard this story so many times that it fails to make an impact on us anymore. However, as I read this story again this morning, a few new thoughts popped into my head:

In today’s political climate, I wondered if Jesus would be accused of being a socialist?

I also wondered if it would make any difference if the boy had one less fish or one less piece of bread to offer. Would Jesus have been limited by the boy’s insufficient resources? Would only 4500 have gotten fed that day? Would there have been any leftovers?

I’m sure the boy knew his meager resources were inadequate when he offered them to Jesus. I’m sure the disciples looked at the boy’s paltry contribution and shook their heads. Yet, it didn’t matter. God’s power was adequate.

God can turn our inadequate talents and resources into whatever HE wills, as long as we are willing to surrender to Him. We are broken, divided, and then distributed, so that our blessings are multiplied.

As I write this, I can think of a few areas…where my family and I are a bit short, a little less than adequate. I wish I had a little more to offer…more for God to work with. REALLY? I doubt God is perturbed by our lack of talents or resources. We need to focus less on our limitations and more on God’s miraculous power. We must be willing to surrender our inadequacies along with our abilities. We must be willing to be broken and distributed. God is All-Sufficient.