Stepping Beyond The Impossible Into The Supernatural - Bill Johnson | Bethel Church

The teachings of Jesus are like a timeless treasure chest, and within its pages, we discover not just spiritual guidance, but also practical wisdom that can revolutionize our lives. Today, we embark on a journey through one such story that resonates profoundly with me. It's the story of a child, a crowd, and the power of thanksgiving.

Imagine a scene where the disciples approach Jesus, sharing their concerns about the hungry crowd. They suggest sending the people home because there's no food to feed them. But Jesus, in his ever-surprising manner, responds with a challenge - "You feed them."

The disciples must have been caught off guard, expecting a chuckle or a jest from their teacher. Instead, they were handed a responsibility. This is where the story gets intriguing because it mirrors our lives in many ways. Often, we face situations where we feel ill-equipped, underprepared, and overwhelmed. And just like the disciples, we're left pondering, "How can we do that?"

Jesus, however, doesn't change his plan. He doesn't provide an extravagant solution out of thin air. Instead, he sets a simple, step-by-step approach. He instructs the disciples to have the people sit down in groups of fifty and one hundred. Then, he asks if anyone has food, and there comes a child with a small lunch.

This is the first brilliant insight to glean from the story. Jesus could have created an abundance out of nothing, but he chose to start with something. It's a testament to the idea that the miraculous often begins with what seems insufficient. It's the birth of the principle - when you take what isn't enough and baptize it in thankfulness, it becomes supernaturally positioned to be more than enough.

A thankful heart is the secret ingredient that transforms scarcity into abundance. An unthankful heart remains imprisoned by numbers and limitations, but gratitude propels us beyond the constraints. It's a powerful message we can incorporate into our daily lives.

The Value of an Individual

In this story, Jesus didn't just display the power of thanksgiving; he also emphasized the value of an individual. The child who offered his lunch didn't count, didn't calculate, and didn't withhold. He gave from the heart, and that gesture became the cornerstone of a miracle.

This underscores the profound significance of recognizing and honoring the worth of an individual. Even when it seems like the world has forgotten someone, as we've seen in the Ukrainian context, there's always room for hope and transformation. As long as one person remains, there's potential for change, for miracles to happen.

In a world that often emphasizes numbers, statistics, and quotas, we must never forget the intrinsic value of each individual. It's the small acts of kindness, the overlooked contributions, and the uncounted moments that often hold the power to make the most significant impact.

Faith and Action

The story also teaches us about the connection between faith and action. Oftentimes, we find ourselves waiting for something to happen when, in fact, we're supposed to take our faith and put it into action. Jesus doesn't change his mind when we're puzzled by the challenges. He provides a clear path to follow.

For instance, when he told the blind man to go wash in the pool of Siloam, he presented a seemingly impossible task. Yet, it was precisely this action that would lead to the blind man's healing. Similarly, the blind Bartimaeus, when he took off his Beggar's robe, made an extraordinary act of faith. Actions often serve as the bridges to our miracles.

As we walk our own paths, we must understand that most miracles are connected to a point of obedience. We shouldn't wait for miracles to happen to us; rather, we should take the faith we possess and put it into action. It's this dynamic combination of faith and action that propels us forward and brings about the change we desire.

The Balance of Faith and Responsibility

While faith is a powerful force, we must remember that it should never be used to put others at risk. Jesus didn't instruct the widow to feed him first when she had only a handful of resources. He didn't use faith to exploit her situation. Instead, he provided a word of guidance.

It's a lesson in humility, demonstrating that faith should never be wielded in a way that endangers others. We can put our own faith to the test, but we should never impose this burden on someone else. This balance between faith and responsibility ensures that we stay true to our principles and act with integrity.

In conclusion, the story of the child's lunch and the hungry crowd offers a wealth of wisdom. It reminds us of the transformative power of thanksgiving, the intrinsic value of every individual, and the inseparable link between faith and action. It encourages us to strike the delicate balance between faith and responsibility, ensuring that we uplift ourselves and those around us. So, as we go into the world with our own "kid's lunch" in hand, let's remember that, just like in this story, every small act of faith and gratitude has the potential to multiply beyond our wildest dreams.