Pioneer Operating Budget
My mother was a great cook. Growing up in a big family of eight, my mother cooked meals using the largest pots. I was amazed by how she could create big meals from a very small pantry.
I called my mom the miracle chef. I was often intrigued by how Jesus performed the miracle of the five loaves and two fish.
One of the powerful lessons I learned from this story was not about the miracle, but why Jesus chose to focus on the generosity of the little boy who gave up his lunch! The disciples didn’t coerce the boy or purchase his lunch. The boy freely gave his lunch to Jesus. Andrew even questioned the size of the offering, “…but what are they among so many?” (John 6:9, NKJV).
Now, Jesus could have performed the miracle from nothing, but instead He chose to use the boy’s lunch offering to multiply it into a feast to feed thousands of men, women, and children.
God looks at our willingness to give. This is the basis upon which Jesus performs His great miracle.
I believe that every time we give out of love to God and ask Him to bless the offerings, He blesses and multiplies them so that they can reach thousands for His kingdom. Today, let’s share with the Lord our five loaves and two fish. Let’s ask God to multiply these funds for His glory.
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries
