Few texts are as encouraging as these words from Jesus to His disciples: “Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him” (Matt 6:8). Paul was so confident in this truth that he encouraged the believers in Philippi with this strong promise: “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:19).
The issue is that we often limit God’s riches to fulfilling only our earthly needs, as if that’s all He can or will provide. But Paul speaks of God’s wealth as an unlimited resource for us. As God’s generosity overflows in abundance, we in turn become generous givers to others who also cry out for help. This is what 2 Corinthians 9:8 teaches: “God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” Generous abundance. And abundant generosity. Just a few verses later, Paul explains why God blesses us so abundantly: “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion” (v11). As generous as God is, so generous can and should we be.
This reminds me of an article called The Myth of Scarcity by Old Testament theologian Walter Brueggemann, where he writes: “The biblical testimony affirms that the world was created as a place of abundance, not scarcity. It is a matter of faith to recognize that God provides enough for everyone, and our task is to share and distribute that abundance rather than become mere possessors.”
God’s promises of blessing extend far beyond just my own hands!
PRAYER: Generous. Abundant. Overflowing. Please make these words part of my vocabulary and actions, Lord.
MUSIC:
We listen to “Five Loaves and Two Fishes” by Corrinne May.
From the lyrics:
A little boy of thirteen was on his way to school
He heard a crowd of people laughing and he went to take a look
Thousands were listening to the stories of one man
He spoke with such wisdom, even the kids could understand
The hours passed so quickly, the day turned to night
Everyone was hungry but there was no food in sight
The boy looked in his lunchbox at the little that he had
He wasn’t sure what good it’d do, there were thousands to be fed
But he saw the twinkling eyes of Jesus
The kindness in His smile
And the boy cried out
With the trust of a child
He said:
“Take my five loaves and two fishes
Do with it as you will
I surrender
Take my fears and my inhibitions
All my burdens, my ambitions
You can use it all to feed them all”
I often think about that boy when I’m feeling small
And I worry that the work I do means nothing at all
But every single tear I cry is a diamond in His hands
And every door that slams in my face, I will offer up in prayer
So I’ll give you every breath that I have
Oh Lord, you can work miracles
All that you need is my “Amen”
So take my five loaves and two fishes
Do with it as you will
I surrender
Take my fears and my inhibitions
All my burdens, my ambitions
You can use it all
I hope it’s not too small
I trust in you
I trust in you
So take my five loaves and two fishes
Do with it as you will
I surrender
Take my fears and my inhibitions
All my burdens, my ambitions
You can use it all
No gift is too small