“There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people?” ¹⁰ Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. ¹¹ Jesus then took the loaves, and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated; likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted.  John 6:9-11

      It was noted in the previous blog that “tests” are allowed in our lives to reveal our real beliefs and faith.  Tests are supposed to bring us to our “wits end” so that we draw the conclusion, “I really need the Lord.”  God has great expectations of all believers.  One of the things most Christians do not realize is that God does not expect us to become an overnight super saint who is ready to die a martyr.  The Lord takes what little we can give Him and builds upon it. 

     In our story, note the different places Phillip and Andrew were in spiritually.  This difference appears to be so miniscule.  Andrew exhibited enough faith to go out looking for something Jesus could use to feed the crowd.  I believe this is why Jesus started with Phillip, because he lacked faith and needed a boost. (test)  Even though Andrew wanted to bring back more from his search, he did bring something back to the Lord.  The point is God wants to use what we do have.  He doesn’t want to hear us lamenting about what we don’t have.  Jesus strengthens us by taking what little faith and resources we do possess and uses it.  As soon as Andrew returned, Jesus started moving to create this wonderful miracle.  I am sure Andrew was as surprised as everyone else, because he knew exactly what was in the boy’s lunch. 

      Jesus still moves the same way today.  If the Lord is testing you, then celebrate!  He is about to demonstrate His power in your life so that you will know He is with you.  If you choose to keep lamenting about what you “don’t have“, then you will quit your spiritual process and never see the miraculous in your life.  Choose to give the Lord something to work with in your situation, instead of agreeing with Phillip and telling the Lord, “it is impossible.”  Be like Andrew and give the Lord something to work with regardless of how meager your resources may appear.  Jesus will take what little you give Him, strengthen your faith, and perform a miracle.  Remember, the Lord is not trying to torture you and watch you fail.  He is trying to bless you and put you over to the next level.