By Andrew Williams
“One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” – John 6:8 (NIV)
Good morning fellow disciples.
John 6:8 provides a glimpse into Andrew’s practical and realistic perspective amidst a seemingly impossible situation. Faced with the challenge of feeding a massive crowd with limited resources, Andrew points out, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” His statement isn’t necessarily one of doubt or disbelief, but rather a pragmatic assessment of the situation. Andrew acknowledges the available resources but questions their adequacy.
As a disciple, you will often face challenges that seem insurmountable. You may feel inadequate, ill-equipped, or overwhelmed by the magnitude of the task before you. Like Andrew, it’s important to acknowledge the reality of the situation and to assess your available resources. However, don’t let your realistic assessment paralyze you with fear or discouragement. Remember that God specializes in turning scarcity into abundance, impossibility into possibility. He often works through those who are willing to offer what they have, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.
This week, identify a challenge or situation in your life that seems overwhelming. Take a realistic assessment of the available resources and acknowledge your limitations. Then, prayerfully offer what you have – your time, talents, resources, or abilities – to God, trusting that He can multiply it beyond your wildest imagination. Redirect your focus to giving all that you have to God.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I acknowledge the challenges and limitations I face. Help me to take a realistic assessment of the available resources and to offer what I have to You, trusting that You can multiply it beyond my wildest imagination. Give me the faith to believe that You can turn scarcity into abundance and impossibility into possibility. Use me to be a vessel of Your love, grace, and power in the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
