What Do You Have?

“How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.”

Mark 6:38

I have always loved the account of the fish and the loaves. It delights my heart that God always uses the least likely to achieve the unimaginable. He’ll do that for us too—when we recognize and offer what we have to Him.

Seeing the crowd’s hunger, Jesus first asked His disciples what food they had. He asked for a count—for recognition and identification of those resources, no matter how small. Like most of us would have, the disciples saw the enormity of the crowd and their small bundle of food, and they undoubtedly concluded that nothing could be done. But Jesus made them examine what they did have because, whether or not we see it initially, the elements for a miracle are always within our reach.

Miracles always begin with a recognition of what we do have—an inventory, and an offering—not a list of all the things we don’t have. Jesus can multiply what we recognize.

God had the elements for this miracle in a child’s brown bag. What small things can you offer? Take a moment of reflection today to identify and offer your gifts. And never underestimate what God can and will do with whatever you offer Him, however small it seems.

Almighty God, in Your hands, nothing I offer You is too small. Thank You for that truth—and for this hope!