WHAT DO YOU HAVE IN YOUR HANDS?

I wonder why, when God asks us to do something we sometimes reply with the reasons why we can't do it?

Look at this example:

“Late in the afternoon his disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the nearby farms and villages and buy something to eat.” But Jesus said, “You feed them.” “With what?” they asked. “We’d have to work for months to earn enough money to buy food for all these people!” “How much bread do you have?” he asked. “Go and find out.” They came back and reported, “We have five loaves of bread and two fish.” (Mark 6:35-38 NLT)

Then I wonder, why don’t we consider what we already have, what is available to us, and put that to use?

I love how the widow responds to Elisha in the story about Elisha and the Widow’s Oil:

Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?” She answered, “Your servant has nothing in the house, except a jar of oil.” He said, “Go outside, borrow vessels from all your neighbors, empty vessels and not just a few.” (II Kings 4:2-3 NLT)

What’s interesting in this situation is that the widow immediately responded with what she had and not with obstacles. If you continue to read, there was enough oil to fill up every jar she had. The oil didn’t run out until her capacity to contain the oil was gone.

There are some powerful life lessons in both of these stories, as there are in all of God’s Word:

1. Instead of trying to avoid situations that you don’t have an answer to, or the resources for, look at what you already have. Begin there. (I Peter 4:10 – you always have something! You just have to recognize it!)

2. When God asks you to do something know that He is going to supply the provision and will open the doors of grace for you to walk through. All you need to do is be willing to walk. (Philippians 4:19 – God will supply what you need)

3. Remember what God Authors He Finishes! (Hebrews 12:2 – just remember though, He’s not required to finish what He didn’t author! Make sure it’s a God idea and not a good idea)

4. Always consider what you already have. Sometimes your answers are right in front of you. It’s not always complicated. (Exodus 4:17 – who knew a staff could do so much?)

5. Ask God to give you the next step. (Psalm 37:23 – remember, God orders your steps and delights in you)

6. Like the widow, your step may require, closing the door, pulling down the shades, keeping your mouth shut, and just doing what God says. You must guard your heart, and the dreams God has given you because everyone isn’t going to be happy about the direction, you’re moving in. (II Kings 4:1-7 – all you need God has provided. If more is needed, He will also provide it)

7. God can, and will, multiply the little you have to accomplish more than you can imagine! (Mark 6:42-44 – the loaves and the fish feed 5,000. Nothing is too hard for God)

8. Jesus is your example. He looked to God to increase those five loaves and two fish! You can do the same, pray and ask your Abba Father to make the impossible possible! (Mark 6:41 – bring your need to God)

9. Be encouraged that God is always with you. He never sends you to do something alone. It may be just you and Him but when He’s part of the equation then you know the outcome will be victorious and bring Him glory! (Hebrews 13:5b and Ephesians 3:20 – you are never alone no matter how it looks, and God can do exceedingly, abundantly above all we can ask think, or imagine)

10. It may be impossible. It may be unbelievable. But with God it is doable! (Matthew 19:26 – nothing is impossible for God)

The next time God tells you to do something get excited. Think about what you already have and not what you don't have. Think about the possibilities! Know that if God asked you then He knows you can do it and will equip you to do it.

"Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action), So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17 AMPC)

#LeisaWilkins #EncouragementInTheWord

Be Encouraged! ❤

(Updated From the Vault of LWM)