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“Taking the five loaves and two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing.“

—Matthew 14:19

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We love the story of Jesus feeding the thousands, don’t we? I mean, it was so good that he did it twice.

But when it’s our turn to open our hands, it’s hard for us to bless what seems inadequate, small, or insignificant. We’re more inclined to curse our lack, especially when it’s somehow tied to our fears and insecurities.

Yes, we know Scripture shares many stories of God doing His best work amid scarcity, but it’s terribly tempting to disqualify ourselves from such miracles. “God may have done that for them . . . but we’re not that kind of people, and this isn’t that type of situation.”

So, we hold tightly to our little, not wanting anyone to see our lack. But eventually we realize that doesn’t work.

Response

For this week’s prayer guide, I want to look at three things we can learn from how Jesus participated in the miraculous. Three things we can glean from how he turned little into much.  

First, we should acknowledge what we have. We thank God for what’s in our hands. We abandon pretense, admitting we only have a few fish and some loaves and there are thousands to feed. I’ve certainly seen that when I get real with God about what’s in my hands, His grace becomes more real to me.  

Second, we bless what we have. We lift our eyes to Him, the author of life, thanking Him for provision, especially when what’s in our hands feels completely inadequate.

Finally, we break what we have. In other words, we share it. We set it free, releasing it to God’s miraculous power. What God can get through us, He gets to us, and it’s in the breaking that our little becomes much.

Closing Thoughts

What is God asking you to acknowledge, to bless, to break? Have you cursed what’s in your hands rather than blessing it and offering it to God?

The old saying that God helps those who help themselves is less about you making it happen, and more about you taking a step of faith, surrendering your little to the flow of life.

When it comes to working with God, it may seem like we’re only offering a small step. With time, however, we often look back and realize God has somehow turned our small step into a miraculous leap.

Praying with you,

Addison

P.S. If you’re new to this crew, welcome! I hope these prayer guides offer you strength and support, helping you see more of your life as a living prayer. If you don’t have the Words with God book yet, I strongly recommend it (makes a great Christmas gift too).  Grab your copy on Amazon, or you can order from the Messenger store here.

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