Authority over Scarcity and Limitations

Mark 6:42–44
42 And they all ate and were satisfied. 43 And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. 44 And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.

Our verses today come from Jesus’ miracle of feeding the 5,000 with 5 loaves and 2 fish. Today, I want you to focus on v. 43—twelve full baskets of leftovers. One for each disciple to grab, hold, and experience.

Just an hour before, the disciples were urging Jesus to dismiss the crowd because it was late and everyone was hungry. They were in a desolate place, so food was not readily available, and even if it was, they did not have the money to cover the catering costs of that many mouths to feed.

It was a moment of scarcity. How are we going to cover this need? There is no way that we have enough to fulfill all the obligations that exist.

Have you ever been there? With more month than money? More bills than reserves? More burdens than blessings to cover it? Not enough time to do all the tasks?

In this moment of scarcity, Jesus steps in with abundance. Not only are all fed, but leftovers exist.

Our God is the God of All. There is nothing that He cannot do, and yet how much time and energy have you spent fretting over what you lack? How much time have you spent fretting over what you lack instead of bringing it to God in prayer?

I do not write this with a promise that God will miraculously multiply your checking account each time it gets low. However, I am writing for you to look to God in times of scarcity and need, for as He cares for the birds of the air, He will care for you.

In the times I have lived in legitimate scarcity, what I have also learned is that I am living in legitimate dependence upon God.

When you feel that anxiety of absence coming upon you, I invite you to take a step of faith and pray for God to give you peace and answers to this real problem.