The Greatest Illusion: Does God Still do Miracles? 4

 Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), 2 and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick. 3 Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. 4 The Jewish Passover Festival was near. 5 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” 6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. 7 Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” 8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, 9 “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” 10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). 11 Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. 12 When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” 13 So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
John 6:1–13 (NIV)
 
Theme: We cannot control the miracle, but we can offer God what we have—even when it feels too small for the need.
 
We have considered how God’s comfort can sustain us and, when we are ready, help us care for others. But what if another person’s need feels larger than anything we can give? Today, we turn to Jesus’ provision in John 6 and consider the difference between offering what is available and controlling what happens next.
Two days before Christmas, as a pastor, I was called to the scene of an accident. A young couple with a small baby had witnessed a terrible accident. Though they were not hurt, the emotional trauma they experienced left them in deep distress. What could I possibly say or do for them that could help? I had no words. But I said a quick, simple prayer before approaching the couple—“God help me.” Then I began talking to the young mother and father who were clearly distressed and we said another prayer asking God to meet us there. The couple calmed down somewhat but the baby could clearly sense the stress in both parents as the mother tried to bottle feed her baby. I offered to hold the baby and try feeding it. The mom immediately said, “Yes, please.” As I held the child in my arms, I talked quietly and calmly and even hummed a little and watched as the child relaxed and took the bottle. The mother was in awe. But what had I done? I offered myself to God and simply asked for help. And God showed up. I experienced His help in a way that felt miraculous to me, though I would not equate that moment with the multiplication of the loaves. John describes Jesus feeding a crowd from five small barley loaves and two small fish; my story describes receiving God’s help in a moment of care. The connection is not that the events are identical, but that feeling inadequate need not keep us from bringing what is available. In today’s Scripture, Philip saw the cost of feeding the crowd. Andrew noticed the food available but questioned how far it could go. Neither assessment made the need disappear. Yet verse 6 tells us that Jesus already knew what He would do. The disciples’ limited resources were not the limit of His power. Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed the food. Everyone had enough, and twelve baskets of pieces remained. The abundance came through Jesus, not through anyone’s ability to make a small supply sufficient. At the accident scene, I could not undo what the family had witnessed. What I could offer was a simple prayer, a quiet voice, and willing arms when the mother welcomed my help. Perhaps you also face a need that you cannot solve. You may not have the right words or enough resources to change the whole situation. Still, there may be one useful, welcome act of care within reach. We can offer what is available without pretending that we can produce the outcome. Our offering is not a bargain that obligates God to multiply it; it is a response of trust that leaves the result with Him.
Take a moment to bring your own situation before God. Rather than asking whether you have enough to solve it, consider what you can willingly offer and what you need to leave in His hands.

Reflection
What need feels greater than what I can offer? What practical help could I offer today, with the other person’s permission and without taking responsibility for an outcome I cannot control?

Lord Jesus, You see the needs that overwhelm me and the limits of what I can give. Help me ask for Your help rather than wait until I feel completely adequate. Give me wisdom to listen, respect others’ wishes, and offer what is genuinely useful. Keep me from confusing my willingness with control over the outcome. I bring You what I have and trust You with what I cannot do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.