Have you ever found yourself taking part in something you felt was way above your proverbial pay-grade and thought, “HOW IN THE WORLD DID I GET HERE?” I can’t even enumerate how many amazing leaders and experts I’ve encountered who have indicated that they ask themselves this question early and often. From corporate executives, to professional musicians, to community leaders, to pastors and missionaries, they all have something in common: They all continually took the next step available to them in faith, offering the little they had when the opportunity arose.
One of the only stories recounted in all four of the gospels is the account of Jesus feeding the 5000+. It’s easy to understand why. Jesus did some amazing miracles, and while none is greater than bringing the dead back to life, feeding a small army of people with what amounts to a first century Happy Meal has to rank near the top of the list.
The little we have, when offered in faith, is more than enough in God’s hands.
All four gospels provide a list of items available to feed the monstrous crowd, five loaves and two fish. But, only one gospel tells us from whence the food had come. John 6:8-9 tells us that the food came from a nameless boy who happened to be in the crowd that day. What we don’t know is how in the world he got there. What we do know, however, is that the boy had something to offer, little as it may have been, and he was willing to put it out there and see what came of it.
The disciples of Jesus were incredibly skeptical. Initially, they encourage Jesus to send everyone off to fend for themselves. Phillip argued that even a year’s wages wouldn’t have provided a single bite for every person present. Peter asked what everyone else, including the boy, had to be thinking about the boys meager offering: How much can really be done with so little?
Jesus took what the boy had to offer, blessed it, and it fed more than 5000 people. Not only that, but they collected twelve baskets full of leftovers after everyone had eaten as much as they wanted. Jesus turned the boy’s Happy Meal into a Golden Corral buffet! Jesus provided a lesson that we all need to learn and remember in our own lives. The little we have, when offered in faith, is more than enough in God’s hands.
While the boy may remain nameless, his actions continue to echo through the ages. His bold act of faith not only provided him with a front row seat to see the wonder working power of God, but also allowed him to be an active participant. His willingness to step up and offer the little he had took him well beyond anything he could have ever imagined. He had to be asking himself, “HOW IN THE WORLD DID I GET HERE?” The answer is quite simple. He did what he could when the opportunity arose.
With God’s help, we’re capable of much more than we know.
I feel like my own life and career has been a masters class in falling up. I could not have charted the trajectory of my life if I wanted to. The vast majority of the great successes and experiences of my life have been less the result of ability or intention and more the result of a simple willingness to step up and give it a go when an opportunity came my way. Rarely, if ever, have I felt like the most talented, most qualified, or most competent person for the task at hand. But, I was willing to offer the little I had in whatever way was needed.
I wonder how many amazing opportunities are missed because we believe we don’t have what it takes. It’s likely that we’re right, that the opportunity outpaces our abilities and resources at the moment. At the same time, failing to do what we can assures that we will do nothing. With God’s help, we’re capable of much more than we know. And, we won’t know until we step out and give it a go.
GreaT message Dr J!