multiply
“Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and gave thanks. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over.”
Matthew 14:15-20 ESV
It has always been the enemy’s goal to convince us that what we have, where we are, and the things in front of us, are not enough.
The feeding of the five thousand is significant for many reasons. However, what I find particularly relatable and interesting is when the disciples see the need of all these people, they approach Jesus from a place of fear and lack. The disciples said, “We must send the crowds away.” How human is that? We see a need that is too overwhelming and our inadequacy causes us to dismiss it or send it away.
But Jesus looks at his disciples and says, “You give them something to eat.” The disciples had exactly what they needed, they just needed to see past their doubt and circumstances.
Later, Jesus takes the five loaves and two fish, looks up to heaven, and before the miracle ever takes place, He gives thanks to His Father. After the disciples passed out the food to all the hungry people, scripture says “All ate and were satisfied.” There were even twelve baskets of leftovers.
You see friend, we serve a God that multiplies what we have. He takes what He’s already given to us and prospers it. There is always more than enough with God. The enemy loves to convince us that we are not equipped for our current season as we already are. But Jesus demonstrates the nearness of God. He is a God of the impossible. Despite what we may see with our natural eyes, we serve a God that works miracles to not only meet our needs but actually satisfy them.
Beloved, rest in who you already are and what you already have. Give thanks to God, pray for Him to multiply it —and then watch as He does just that.
In joy, peace + love,
Riley Rae Baker
additional reading:
Psalm 100:4 / 1 Chronicles 16:9 / 1 Thessalonians 5:18 / 2 Corinthians 9:15 / Colossians 2:7
reflect:
In what ways do you relate to the disciples in this story? Is there something you're believing for that seems impossible? What do you feel like God wants to multiply in your life? Be encouraged to bring those things to Him, thank Him, and lay them at His feet.
centering prayer:
Abba, thank you that I have everything I need in front of me. Thank you that I am enough as I currently am. Thank you for equipping me with all that I need in this current season. Help me to rest in that and steward the things you’ve placed in front of me. Even when I don’t see the way, I give you thanks before the miracle. I love you. Amen.
