Two Little Fish
by Rev. Susan Britton
“But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!” they answered.
“Bring them here,” he said. – Matthew 14:17-18
Read
Mathew 14: 13-21 (NLT)
Reflect
The fastest way to feel inadequate as a mom is to look at Pinterest. Pictures show birthday parties with coordinated, thematic, homemade decorations, snacks, and take-home treat bags — all in a perfectly clean house. Compared to that, my mom skills don’t measure up.
Recently I’ve been in awe of colleagues who are leading online worship, doing video- conferenced Bible Studies, and doing dial-in daily devotions. Meanwhile, I’ve been trying to determine who has email and how to connect those who don’t with those who do – and learning how to create a private Facebook page. At moments it has felt like Pinterest, clergy style.
But not really. This time, it’s not about measuring up. It’s about caring deeply for those entrusted to my care, and wanting to encourage, support, and connect them in every way possible. It’s about knowing the things they are each facing, and knowing I’m not capable of addressing them all. It’s about seeing a mile-high stack of needs and knowing I can barely reach a quarter of an inch.
In biblical terminology – all I’ve got is two fish. Two really tiny fish. And they are not enough to meet the multitude of needs before me.
But here is the awesome part. I’m not in this alone; I’m in this with Jesus. And it’s not up to me; it’s up to Jesus. All I need to do is place my two tiny fish – the gifts that Jesus has uniquely instilled in me – into Jesus’ hands and let him make them be enough.
So… Jesus, here are my two small fish today.
Now may the God of peace… equip you with all you need for doing his will. Heb. 13:20-21
What is Jesus asking you to do today with your two fish?
Respond
Dear Jesus, thank you that I don’t need to meet all the needs I see. That’s your job. Take what I have to offer and help it to be more than enough for those I love and serve today. Amen.
Remember
Where did you see Jesus multiply your fish today?
Comment below or use a journal to record how God is with you each day of this journey.
Thank you for the encouragement. An excellent reminder. I am grateful.
Thank you Rev. Britton for this word of encouragement, I have been in a bit of a spiritual warfare the past couple of days as the enemy tries to convince me I am too old, have wasted too many years and am just to stupid to even know the questions to ask in order to get answers. The last being the one that is beating me up most because I don’t seem to know how to offer my 2 tiny fish yet I hear my Father saying “I have opened a door, courageously walk through.”