LIFELINK Devotional

Friday, August 14, 2020

Thanks.

Gratitude.

Appreciation.

These words are in a battle for usage with words like criticism, judgment, dissatisfaction, and regret. One set of words is the product of a sense of entitlement. One set grows out of an understanding of grace.

People of grace express gratitude easily.  People of entitlement spew displeasure.

When Jesus was given five loaves of bread and two small fish by a small boy who graciously donated them to feed hungry people, His first response was thanksgiving.

“Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted.” John 6:11

Are we willing to do some self-evaluation right now? Allow me to help by letting you in on how I might have responded. There were 5000 men, plus women and children.  There were 5 loaves of bread and 2 small fish. It doesn’t take a genius to do that math.  My first words might have been, “Really? Is this all we have?”

We tend to see the negative far before we see the positive. We focus on what is lacking rather than the blessing of what is available. But not Jesus. He didn’t dwell on what was missing. He gave thanks for what had been given. And thanksgiving resulted in multiplication.

There’s a great spiritual principle for us to remember – Thanksgiving results in multiplication.

Look around. The need is great. There may not be enough right now to meet all the needs.  Be thankful for what is available, and watch God multiply it.

Pastor John