The Miracle in His Hands

Read |Mark 6: 30 - 44|

It is the third week in the month of July, which means it is VBS season! This one week of the year takes an entire year of sowing: there are fundraisers and appeal upon appeal for support for this ministry, which serves the most vulnerable of children in the Body and beyond. It is a week in which my need for Jesus is made so clear. I am praying without ceasing, for wisdom, strength, meekness, love and the multiplication of the financial contributions so that all the needs of our 40 children may be met. I love it! I love the draw to dependency on Jesus, because it is the place of miracles.

This year our theme is "God's Glory in Creation". The children are exploring the ways in which God reveals who He is in what He has made. It was our heart's desire to have the children conclude this week, with a trip to the zoo. We saw the great enriching opportunity for them to meditate on God's glory in creation through a guided and interactive experience at the zoo. But, we also saw the huge financial obstacle to securing admission and food for 40 children and 10 staff. But, because it was first in God's heart that these children go, a miracle was performed.

Monday and Tuesday the Lord had me learning of and from Him through close meditation on His feeding of the five thousand. And on Tuesday, in accordance to what He spoke to me, I committed the money we had raised and the trip to Him. That same day, I went to the zoo to inquire about the pricing for the trip. Approximately 15 minutes later I left with free admission for all 40 of our children, with bonus attractions and food thrown in at a discounted rate, which minimally taxed our financial resources. In accordance to His word, He made all grace abound towards us so that we had everything needful to complete the good work He had prepared in advance for us to do. (2 Corinthians 9: 8). Like the Miracle in Mark 6, our little was able to accomplish much because it was placed in Jesus' hands. Let's look at little closer at the feeding of the five thousand to see what principles we can glean to encourage our faith in God's provision for us.

The Feeding of the Five Thousand
Jesus is surrounded by the multitudes. They are clamoring for a touch. Many don't know who He truly is. The revelation hasn't come yet--that He is the Bread of Life. All they know is they are in need and He is one who does miracles. He is the One who speaks and accomplishes in a word what none has ever accomplished.  They sit and listen to Him teach, expectantly. Meanwhile the apostles are weary, as not so long ​ago they returned from preaching, driving out demons, anointing the sick with oil and healing them. (Mark 6: 12 - 13).

Soon, the multitude is hungry. The apostles encourage Jesus to send them into the surrounding villages to eat. (Mark 6: 35 - 36). But, Jesus won't have it. Instead, He tells them to provide the food. (Mark 6: 37). The apostles are perplexed. Where will they get the money to buy enough food for such a multitude?! (Mark 6: 37). They are bound to their own measly means, because they too, do not yet know Jesus is the Bread of Life. There is a miracle in the air, they cannot smell.

Jesus sends them to identify what meal is available to them. They find 5 loaves and 2 fishes.(Mark 6: 38). In their hands the 5 loaves and 2 fishes are barely sufficient to feed themselves, much less the 5000 counted people awaiting food. But, the meal doesn't remain in their hands. They place it in Jesus' hands. Jesus lifts the offering--everything they have--to heaven. He blesses it. He breaks it. It multiplies. All are fed, with much to spare. (Mark 6: 40 - 44). If we trace the miracle we find this pattern: people presenting their best offering, Jesus blessing it, Jesus breaking it, Jesus multiplying it and Jesus feeding. The end result of this miracle is that, not only are the waiting congregation fed, but the apostles are also fed. There is a blessing that abounds from God, to and through those who give.

Beloved, the little becomes much in His hands. When we trust in God's goodness--when we meditate on His promises--we are empowered to release our little into His hands. Beloved, His promises are sure because He is sure. He is not only good, He is powerful so that He is able to manifest His goodness in our lives. Give Him your little. Give it all to Him. He will not despise it. His hands are the site of all blessings. And when you see Him breaking the little, don't be afraid. It is the way of His kingdom--the upside down to our world way--that leads to the miracle of multiplication. A miracle that will bless you abundantly, so that you may be filled and in turn have enough left over to bless many.

Step Out on Faith: 
1. Meditate on these promises about God's provision:

• Matthew 6: 25 - 34
• 2 Corinthians 9: 8
• Philippians 4: 6 - 8
• Philippians 4: 19

2. Pray for God to show you the little you have been withholding from Him.
    Upon revelation, release that little by faith to Him--committing it in                  prayer and deed to Him according to His sure promises.
3. When He comes through for you--which He will--will you share your 
     good report with us? We'd love to celebrate with you!