Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” (Matthew 14:15-18 ESV)
After addressing the crowd of five thousand Jesus recognized that the people were hungry and despite the disciples’ desire to send them away so they could obtain food on their own, Jesus wanted to feed them. Looking at the mere five loaves of bread and two fish that were available, the disciples couldn’t understand how Jesus expected to do this. But instead of being limited by what He saw before Him, Jesus considered the situation on a larger scale, looked above and trusted that the need could be satisfied. And it was.
It probably wouldn’t be a stretch to say that many of us would have reacted in the same manner as the disciples, and often do. I’d like to serve in that ministry but don’t think I have enough experience… That project seems like a great idea but we don’t have the funds to do it… I’d like to mend the broken relationship with my sister but I’m not sure she’d be open to it… I know it would be helpful for me to occasionally lead the Bible study group but I’ve never taught or led a study before….
It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking about all the reasons something won’t work or the reasons we can’t do it. By focusing on what is lacking we limit ourselves and ignore the possibility that the Lord can provide what is needed, sometimes in ways that we can’t imagine. Rather than thinking from the viewpoint of limitations and worldly conditions, we should think abundantly by walking in faith and looking to the Lord to guide us. Granted, there will be times when despite our prayers and patience, things don’t fall into place as we desire, but there also can be situations when the path is cleared and opportunities present in ways that we could never have imagined. We need to turn it over to Him and trust that He will lead us in the right direction.
…. 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. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. (Matthew 14:19-21 ESV)