A Reflection On Miracles

When I need to act in faith

The great works of God that come about through our faith usually do not come without an initial offering from us. The offering may be pitifully small—so much the better to display God’s power—but it still must be given. Every miraculous work begins with an act of faith, a stepping out of God’s people on the limb of trust. In handing the five loaves and two fishes to Jesus, the disciples were not for a moment thinking this human effort would meet the needs of the crowd; they were only giving what they had. That’s where miracles begin.

Our abilities are too paltry to meet the overwhelming needs of this world. But when Jesus gets through with them, they are powerfully sufficient. Do we want Him to work through us? We must give Him what we have.

The disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary—you feed them.” “But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!” they answered. “Bring them here,” he said.

Matthew 14:15-18