How Many Loaves Do You Have?

Here we are. Everything we hold in high esteem has been silenced. NBA, NHL, MLB, concerts, movies… the list goes on. There have been many theories about how we got here. Understanding that is as important as understanding where we are, where we are going, and how we’re going to get there.

After watching an interview of Dallas Jenkins, Director of The Chosen, I was struck by the story of the feeding of the 5,000. I’m not actually sure it was 5,000… seems to have been more. In one version, it was reported there were 5,000 men- not including women and children. So, no one really knows how many there were. But in this case, how they got there was as important as the rest of the story (Mark 6:30 and Matthew 14:13).

See, Jesus had been teaching and healing. He went non-stop for hours. Mark 6:31 says “Because there were so many people coming and going, they did not have a chance to eat…” Jesus CREATED the problem. He created the NEED. He put them in a place where only a miracle would solve the problem. He left them in a place where they could only look to God and nothing else. This happens to us in the 21^st century when we don’t humble ourselves. He then has to bring us to a place where we’re reminded that we need Him. But He desires that we get there ourselves so He doesn’t have to. I’m a dad. I don’t want to humble my children. It’s not fun…at all. I desire that they keep themselves humble and on the right track. But it’s not always that simple.

After Jesus created the need, the disciples also noticed that the crowd needed to eat and asked Jesus to send them away. Everyone was tired. Jesus said, “how many loaves do you have?” He knew the answer. He wanted them to watch God in all of His glory.

I’m not saying that this virus was sent by God. But it wouldn’t surprise me. As in John 9:1-3, Sometimes things just happen in order for the works of God to be displayed in us. This happened all through scripture. So I ask, how many loaves do you have? What do you have to offer? You may think you can’t get through this. You may have lost your job. You may be afraid of losing your house. But God may be looking to display His glory through you. How many loaves do you have?

For some it may be finances. But for others it may be talents. It may be serving. It may be feeding. For some, God may want to deal with a part of your character. This will, in turn, help those around you. Ask me how I know. Everyone has something they can do and something they can give. Something they can do to serve. Even if it’s just an encouragement through zoom. You have a loaf…you have a few loaves. You may not realize it until you begin looking for the need in others. When you get outside your own need, you find that others have needs that you can fill. You begin to see the works of God displayed in you. So… how many loaves do you have?

You may read this and say, “But I don’t have anything” or “I don’t have enough”. God knows better. God doesn’t need you to feed 5,000. He needs you to bring the loaves you have. He’ll take what the enemy meant for evil and turn it for good. But He still needs you to bring the loaves you do have. What do I mean by this? Humble yourself before God. Speak directly to Him, out loud, in humility. Ask Him what He would have you do in this time. Be prepared for the answer. It’s not going to sound the way you thought it would. All throughout the Bible, we learn that if you want something, you give it. If you want love, give love. If you want mercy, give mercy. If you’re worried about your finances, your physical health… give. Don’t worry about tomorrow. Don’t worry about what you don’t have or aren’t going to have. Bring whatever loaves you have… Then watch Him feed 5,000+!

Stay Classy GP!

Grainger