When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. John 6:12-13

This is yet another time when Jesus re-emphasizes that he’s in the fulfillment business. Not in the fame and future business. But fulfillment. 

And, it turns out, that’s what we’re all actually looking for. 

My LITTLE in Jesus’ hands can become A LOT in the service of others. And I’m willing to give what I have to Jesus because, in some beautiful way, God fills me up when I empty myself out. When I give, I receive. When I trust him, he reinforces me with blessing. When I realize my weakness, he shows up strong on my behalf. 

You and I don’t have to have all the answers as to how this job gets done. We can do the math, accept our limitations, and offer the little bit we have if Jesus says to TRUST. 

Note: The miracle usually doesn’t happen all at once. How long do you think it takes 12 guys dudes to feed 12,000 (give or take) people? Twice as long as it would have taken 12 women, but nevertheless. Not minutes. Hours. And with every person the disciples wonder, will this be the row that we run out? 

Faith—reach in the basket.
Trust—reach in the basket. 
Hope—reach in the basket. 

We’ll keep on feeding as long as Jesus keeps on multiplying.