Gratitude and Greatness

"The unthankful heart discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings!" - Henry Ward Beecher

Jesus gave His disciples an impossible challenge. Facing 5,000 hungry people and an empty cupboard Jesus said, “You give them something to eat,” (Matthew 14:16b)

The disciples looked at the famished crowd and then at the little boy’s lunch – only a few small fish and loaves. The need was overwhelming, and the resources were meager. Their eyes darted between the massive need and the tiny lunch.

As always, Jesus came to the rescue. Matthew records , “Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.” (Matthew 14:19)

Jesus was not overwhelmed by the gigantic need, nor was He frustrated by the miniscule materials available. He simply did three things:

· He looked toward heaven.

· He gave thanks for what he had.

· He put his meager supply to use. 

Whatever the challenge, follow Jesus’ example. Don’t fixate on the problem or the lack of available resources; keep your eyes looking heavenward. Thank God for what you have rather than grumbling about what you wish you had. And use whatever God puts in your hands. He may perform a miracle.