How Much is Enough?

Have you ever been in a large crowd?  I mean a really large crowd like 5,000-10,000 plus people?  Imagine, if you will, that many people in one location to hear Jesus teach.  One particular day, Jesus and the disciples were planning to go away and rest, but before they could, they looked up and there was a multitude of people all around!  

I picture the scene being noisy and busy all at the same time.  Can you see the people scurrying through the crowd to get as close as possible to Jesus?  Can you picture the children laughing, running, and playing?  Can you see the women intently peeping through the crowd to see Him, while one careful eye remained on the children?  Perhaps there was a sick man stuck all the way in the back of the crowd, how would he ever get close enough to the front?  Oh, the excitement and anticipation! 

 In all of this, the Bible tells us that Jesus had compassion on the people. (Mark 6:34)  Isn't that just like our loving Savior to extend love and kindness to the people when He was originally intending to get some rest? Of all the thousands of people present, somewhere among the multiple was a young boy.  Scripture does not share if he was in the front, way in the back or buried somewhere deep in the middle.  Even in a crowd Jesus knows exactly where you are.  One thing is certain, the boy was there that day and he had an assignment.  

By late evening, the disciples realized that the people had not eaten and should probably leave to go get food.  They told Jesus to send the people away.  Jesus refused to send them away and told the disciples to feed them.  I don't know about you, but I am so glad Jesus never sends us away!  The disciples now have the seemingly impossible task of feeding the people.  Jesus, what am I supposed to do about this?!  Has that ever been your secret thought?  Jesus sent the disciples into the crowd to find out how much bread was available. (Mark 6:38)  Could God be leading people to you because you have something that they need?

Jesus knew the young boy was in the crowd.  However, the disciples had no idea.  Can you envision them looking out in the sea of people thinking, how in the world are we supposed to find bread among all of these people?!  Did you or your children ever look at the Where's Waldo book series?

These books were beautifully illustrated pages filled with a variety of similar items all closely placed together.  The purpose was to locate Waldo on each of those jam-packed pages.  Although the books were fun, at times it could be tedious, frustrating and time-consuming.  Here the disciples are stumbling and pushing through the crowd in a sort of 'Where's Waldo' experience!   Finally, they come back with a report; there are five loaves of bread and two fish in the crowd!

This miraculous story ends with Jesus taking the two fish and five loaves, praying, lifting it to Heaven, breaking it and feeding the entire multitude!  There were even leftovers because we serve the God of more than enough!  

But, wait!  Who was that young boy and what do we know about him?  Why did he decide to share?  Why didn't he sneak away from the crowd and eat what he had for himself?  You know, people in need can suffer from your one selfish act.  Did the disciples ask if they could take it or did he volunteer it?  I am not sure how it all went down, but I would like to think that the young boy offered his fish and loaves.  With all of those people present why in the world would he have done that?  Obviously, that would have NEVER been enough to feed everyone!  Perhaps, the boy believed that Jesus had the power to make something amazing happen with the little that he had.  This young boy must be an example of what Jesus was talking about in Matthew 18:4(TLB) when He said Therefore anyone who humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.  

Would you have had the faith of that young boy or would you have thought you couldn't possibly have enough to help?  While we whisper this is all I have; Jesus whispers back that is all I need.   What has God asked you to offer up to 'feed' His people?  He will not ever leave us to do it alone.  He only asks that we sacrifice what we have and be available while His power performs the miracle.  Jesus sees you in the crowd today and He has one question, will you offer your two fish and five loaves for His glory?  Let Him heal your soul!

To check out more from Shayla, visit www.ShaylaHilton.com.

Your Sister in Christ,

Prayer:  Heavenly Father,  We thank you today!  Please help each reader offer what they have to you.  Remind them that with Your Power, what they have is more than enough.  Give them the courage to trust you.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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