One of the most prominent themes of the Bible is that God uses ordinary people with small resources to do great things. An inspiring example of this is in the story of the “feeding of the 5000,” when a boy offers his fives loaves of barley bread and two fish, and Jesus empowers his offering to feed a multitude.

This story brings real encouragement to us! When we face enormous challenges, or when we look at the needs of the world around us, we may feel that our resources are woefully inadequate. But when we offer what we have and put our trust in the power of Christ, extraordinary things can happen!

When we offer what we have and put our trust in the power of Christ, extraordinary things can happen! Share on X

Sometimes people think they’ve got to “do it all” by their own ability. Sometimes people want God to do it all. The Scripture leads us to realize that God will work in and through us! When we open ourselves to God’s Spirit, the Lord can take our “five loaves and two fish” and bring about great good today.

Sunday’s Scripture Readings:
II Kings 4:42–44
Mark 6:31–44; 8:1–9

About the Author

Dr. David A. Palmer has been the senior pastor at the United Methodist Church of Kent since 1995. He has a B.A. from Wittenberg University, a Master of Divinity from Duke University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. A native of Wooster, Ohio, he has served three other churches in east Ohio before coming to Kent. He and his wife, Mavis, have three children.