Do you have enough?
Most of us think not.
The image above is a bit misleading. When we think about having enough, most of us first think about “stuff”. I am not asking about that because most think they need more. So, scrap that thought. I am speaking of spiritual things.
- Do you have enough to meet your needs?
- Are you able to meet the needs of others?
- Do you know enough?
- Do you have enough faith?
In today’s Scripture passage, Jesus uses “stuff” to convey a powerful spiritual message. His disciples were aware of the need and aware that they were unable to meet it. Naturally, they went to Jesus. And He said… “You meet it!”
And with that, the whining began. Can you imagine their thoughts? “But Jesus…” They were likely astonished that He would ask them to do such a thing. They may have continued with thoughts like, “Doesn’t He know we can’t…”, “We don’t have…”, “How can we…”, and the like.
Though this is speculation, we do know they lodged an objection immediately. Jesus ignored it. He asked them a question that we should answer ourselves. “How many loaves do you have?” To us, His question is expressed as, “What do you have?”
In a recent conversation, a friend asked another friend, “Did you pray with [that person]?” The other friend replied, “No, I’m not comfortable with that.” This triggered the thoughts that led to this message.
I know my friends will read this, so just know, guys: I am not “calling you out” but only using this as an illustration. Please receive it in the encouraging way it is intended. (Since I frequently use my experiences as illustrations [even embarrassing ones], I thought it would be all right.)
No matter what you have, what you know, or what you can do, there is always someone who knows, has, or can do more and someone who knows, has, or can do less. The point is that SOMEONE out there NEEDS what you have to give and EVERYONE has SOMETHING to give.
Even a novice Believer knows more than an unbeliever. Whatever you have, however little you may think it to be, do not hesitate to give it when you have an opportunity to do so. Giving what you have is your responsibility. Making it enough is God’s responsibility, evidenced by Jesus’ feeding thousands with the equivalent of one small meal.
Praying with someone may not seem much to you, but it may be the encouragement or connection someone desperately needs AT THAT MOMENT. Meeting the need is not your responsibility. Your ONLY responsibility is giving what you have. God can then take that and accomplish more than you can imagine in that person’s life.
You must FIRST step out of your comfort zone and do it because nothing will happen until you do.
This is truth: We will NEVER have enough, know enough, be enough, have enough faith, enough strength, courage, confidence, or anything else. Never is it more appropriate to say, “It’s not about us.” It IS about Jesus and His ability to take what little we have and make it more than enough.
Never deny someone what they need because you are concerned about how you feel. If, right now, Jesus asked you, “May I work through you to change this person’s life?”, could you imagine yourself responding, “No, Jesus, You may not!”? Yet, this is effectively what we do when we hold back thinking we are not ready or don’t know enough.
Jesus is asking you, me, all of us: “What do you have?” Our best answer is, “I have You.” Your only unknowns then are how He wants you to give Him to them and if you are willing. So… are you?
Today’s Seed™ Scripture and Prayer for Mar. 9, 2023:
Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take eight months of a man’s wages ! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five–and two fish.” (Mark 6:36-38 NIV)
Prayer: LORD, I may think that what I have is not enough to meet the needs I see. In Your hands, however, it can become more than enough. Enable me to give You what I have. You then do what You need to do with it. And when I see great need around me, help me remember that giving what I have is my responsibility. Making it enough is Yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
(c) 2023 Randall Vaughn • All Rights Reserved • http://www.e-min.org
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“Today’s Seed” from E-MIN • Mar. 9, 2023
About Randall Vaughn:
With 40+ years as pastor, author, teacher, worship leader, and songwriter, Randall pioneered E-MIN in 1997–one of the earliest online ministries and today the longest operating. His passion is leading people to deeper, genuine relationship with God. He lives in Alabama with his lovely wife, Karen, and their dogs, Hadi and Casi. He enjoys hiking, exploring new tech, and “prayer walks”.
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