Fish and Loaves

I love thinking practically. When it comes to change and taking risks, I definitely prefer to plan ahead, calculate for error, and organize things in such a way that I know exactly what the outcome will be (Shout out to all my Type A friends!) However, God recently reminded me of a story in the Bible that seems to suggest doing the exact opposite. As I was reflecting on future plans and asking God to speak something new to me, He reminded me of the story in which Jesus performed the miracle of feeding five thousand with two fish and five loaves of bread (John 6:1-14).

While reading this story, I felt God speak two main things to me:

1.) LET GO of the fish and bread.

2.) Believe God will multiply it.

I’ve always viewed this passage of scripture as a great miracle that Jesus performed, but few times have I noted the example of faith that it provides. Personally, if I were to place myself in the story as the individual possessing five loaves of bread and two fish, I can assume I would probably first ask Jesus some questions. Perhaps I’d ask, “How do you plan on using what I have to feed five thousand? Or maybe I’d propose a logical and strategic question such as, “Who are the most essential people to share my food with today?” But that’s not what happens in the story. The young boy possessing the fish and bread gives all of his lunch—the whole basket. He doesn’t ask how it will work out, or what the best method to take would be. He just lets go of his lunch and gives it to Jesus.

That’s some intense stuff. I am challenged by the young boy in this story. I am challenged with the questions, is my heart open enough to give everything to God? Do I trust Him enough to sacrifice in a way that defies logic and reason?

After the boy surrenders his lunch to Jesus, there’s something awesome that takes place. Jesus takes the two fish and five loaves of bread and instructs the disciples to start distributing it. This story becomes increasingly interesting to me, as I am certain if I was a discipline then I would be asking Jesus, “Hey what do you want me to do when the basket runs out?” The disciples don’t do that though. They simply begin to distribute the food, and it miraculously feeds five thousand people. Aside from how cool I think it would be to have a loaf of bread that never runs out, this is such an incredible example of God’s provision and trustworthiness. As the boy was faithful to give his lunch, and the disciples were faith-filled and obeyed Jesus’ instruction to distribute the food, God was faithful to them and brought an incredible blessing.

All of this is to say, Jesus is faithful and can be trusted. This story placed on my heart has reminded me and humbled me greatly of my need to surrender. As much as I love to operate on my own terms, there is so much greater in store when we choose to surrender to Jesus.

If you find yourself in a place where you are looking down at your “lunch” and wondering how it can possibly meet the seemingly endless needs before you, I challenge you to think bigger. Let go of the logic. Let go of your control, and place your offering into the hands of Jesus. Believe that the same One who used two fish and five loaves of bread to feed five thousand can do the same for you today.

Until next time,

Tamara

Loving the Lowercase

Helping people find their Purpose is something I’m really passionate about. I am a strong believer that God has created each and every person with a unique and specific calling. Whether the “Purpose” is leading, teaching, creating, repairing, helping, or something else, each human being possesses deep value and serves a significant role in the world. That being said, I have always struggled a bit to grasp and value the simple day-to-day life. I love having deep conversations about the “big things,” but the minor details and smaller events of life have never really phased me. I would even venture to say that I, at times, view daily tasks as irrelevant or pointless.

Recently, I feel God has been challenging me to refocus my perspective about the “small things.” While I am not suggesting that the jeans I pick out in the morning will make a difference in the way my day proceeds, I am learning that the little, seemingly “pointless” moments actually do matter. The small exchanges with a co-worker are important. The extra fifteen minutes taken to wash the dishes before bed are crucial. The quick phone call to a friend matters. The smile to a stranger in the parking lot is valuable.  While it’s hard to ever see what these small actions amount to, it is foolish to think that they do not matter. The little, seemingly insignificant moments can have a profound impact that goes beyond human understanding.

In my life currently, I have recently felt uninspired and frustrated with normalcy. I have settled into a job, am consistently attending church, and socialize with friends and family somewhat regularly. Yet, in the back of my mind, there is always a thought that troubles me. “What is the purpose of all of this anyway, and when will I fulfill the calling God has given me?”

Friends, today I want to encourage you with something I believe God has been speaking to me. I strongly sense God is calling me right now to “love the lowercase.” I am to cherish the moments that seem unimportant. I am to take action and respond to the small whispers I hear each day that challenge me to extend mercy. I am to enjoy and truly embrace every little opportunity to show kindness.

Each person, indeed, is designed with a deep purpose. There are things that make each human being unique and able to accomplish something significant. However, it is in the small, seemingly insignificant moments that we build character. It is in the little moments that things are set into motion. It is in the day-to-day, “lowercase” exchanges that the atmosphere shifts.

The “lowercase” matters. Therefore, I challenge you to join me in learning to love the “lowercase.”

Until next time,

Tamara