177 of 365 - Gratitude

Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Matthew 14:19a
 
Jesus orders the people to sit on the grass. This isn’t going to be a quick charity buffet line. They are going to sit, eat, enjoy each other’s company.
 
Jesus takes the five loaves and the two fish, looks up to heaven, and says a blessing. He gives thanks… before the miracle. We tend to think of gratitude as something that comes after the provision, but Jesus shows us that gratitude comes before the miracle too. Gratitude releases the miracle.

Jesus invites His friends to be part of this holy provision. The disciples GET TO distribute the bread and fish. Not only does everyone eat until they are satisfied, but there are also leftovers.

The little surrendered to Jesus has produced abundance. Jesus shows us that no amount is too small if we bring it to Him. He will take what we have, invite us to be part of the miracle, and turn it into abundance.

We can focus our attention and energy on our limited resources and seemingly impossible circumstances, or we can GIVE THANKS and bring our little to Jesus.  He can’t wait to take us along on the miraculous ride, accomplishing things that would be impossible on our own. And in His provision from our little, we know it is ONLY JESUS. Our faith becomes stronger. Our fear becomes weaker.

Chuck Swindoll says, “The size of a challenge should never be measured by what we have to offer. It will never be enough. Furthermore, provision is God's responsibility, not ours. We are merely called to commit what we have - even if it's no more than a sack lunch.” 

​Challenge: Write down three even little things/gifts you have that you can give to God to multiply into something for His kingdom.