Sufficiency: a constant, ever-present worry among us, as human beings. “Whatever work I put in—will it be enough, to meet the needed goal?” “Am I, as a person, enough to make it through this given season of life?” Although that worry is natural, we need to remind ourselves of the truth that God wants us to have engraved in our hearts: that with God, all things are possible (Mathew 19:26). God has the power and capability to take what little you have to offer, and make it enough to reach your needed goal.
We see this power of God, demonstrated perfectly though the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000 people, who had come to hear Him speak. What was given to Jesus, was 5 loaves of bread, and 2 pieces of fish; and He took this small amount of food, and was able to distribute it to feed 5,000 people. Not only were these 5,000 people able to eat and become filled, but there were even enough for 12 baskets of leftovers.
What this tells us, is that yes, what we give Christ might not be enough. 5 loaves and 2 pieces of fish, were certainly not enough for 5,000 people. But He is more than capable of using what we have, to accomplish His plan. So, let’s ask ourselves this question: what is our 5 loaves and 2 fish, that we should submit to Him? Whatever we have, regardless of how limited it is—let’s surrender it to the Lord, and trust Him with it.
It’s safe to say, that when I was in law school, my diligence in performing academically, was not enough. The hours I spent in outlining information from classes, and memorizing concepts, only got me so far; compared to the average student, I simply needed more time and reinforcement to learn things effectively. However, more often than not, I didn’t have the luxury of time, and had time and time again, chosen to procrastinate studying, for a variety of reasons. But, with each exam that came my way, I surrendered whatever limited amount of studying I had accumulated– and asked God to take my 5 loaves and 2 fish, and make it enough. And His grace has abounded towards me time and time again, as I can say with confidence that it was His mercy and power, which allowed me to graduate law school this past May.
Surrendering to the Lord what little I have, is going to be a constant process for the rest of my life, and I want you, as readers, to practice this with me. The key here, though, is that we shouldn’t necessarily give what we have to the Lord, and expect a certain result. What actually happens with our five loaves and two fish, are in His discretion. What God desires of us, is that we recognize His power and ability to do the impossible, yet be willing to accept His action in response. “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:6-7) Notice that God is concerned with our hearts, in how we perceive Him and His power.
So, our game plan moving forward, should be as follows: whatever we have—whatever it is, that we are concerned is “not enough”—surrender it to the Lord, and believe with all your heart that He is capable of making it more than enough. Ask God for the peace that passes all understanding, regardless of what the outcome is, and you can be assured that God will use it for good. God is powerful enough to take what little you have to offer, and make it abundant. And in the chance that His will is that your goal isn’t reached, He can give you the peace you need, to endure through it. “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3)
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ( Jeremiah 29:11)
Our God is the most powerful Being in the entire universe, and He loves us. Let’s give Him what little we have, and simply trust.
Lessons from our True Vine 