From Scarcity to Abundance
Have you ever felt like you just don't have enough? Not enough time, money, energy, or resources to meet the demands of life? I think we've all been there. But what if I told you that this "scarcity mindset" isn't the way we're meant to live? What if there's a better way – an "abundance mindset" – that can transform how we see and use our resources?
We often live with what you might call a "scarcity mindset," believing we don't have enough. The consequence? Fear. Fear that if we don't have enough for ourselves, we certainly don't have enough to share with others.
But Jesus invites us to see things differently. He calls us to reimagine our resources and shift to an "abundance mindset." And there's no better example of this than the miraculous feeding of the five thousand.
The Miracle That Teaches Abundance
This story appears in all four Gospels, which tells us it's rather important. Let's look at Luke's account:
"Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, 'Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here.' He replied, 'You give them something to eat.' They answered, 'We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.' (About five thousand men were there.)" (Luke 9:12-14)
The disciples faced an impossible task: feed 5,000+ people with basically one person's lunch. Their immediate response? Focus on what they lacked. But Jesus had other plans.
Our Mission Depends on Jesus' Provision
Before this miracle, Jesus had sent the disciples out on their own, instructing them to "Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt" (Luke 9:3). Why? Because Jesus wanted them to learn complete dependence on his provision.
The same is true for us. When we follow Jesus, our mission depends entirely on his provision. We can't fulfill our calling on our own strength or resources. We must learn to trust Jesus completely.
We Offer Jesus What We Have, Not What We Lack
Back to our story. The disciples are freaking out about the lack of food. But notice Jesus' simple request:
"'Bring them here to me,' he said" (Matthew 14:18).
Jesus doesn't ask us to work miracles. He doesn't expect us to have every answer. He simply asks us to trust Him with what we have. It's an invitation to shift our focus from what we lack to what God can do with what we offer.
Jesus Invites Us to Share from God's Compassionate Abundance
Here's where things get really interesting. Jesus takes this meager offering and does something both ordinary and extraordinary:
"Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people" (Mark 6:41).
Jesus follows a simple formula: Take, Thank, Break, Share. This pattern teaches us how to live from God's abundance:
Take: Recognize what God has provided.
Thank: Express gratitude for God's provision.
Break: Be willing to use what God has given.
Share: Distribute God's blessings to others.
This simple act sets the stage for God to do the extraordinary. And the result?
"When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, 'Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.' So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten" (John 6:12-13).
Jesus Always Provides More Than Enough
Not only was there enough for everyone, but there were also twelve baskets left over – one for each disciple! Jesus didn't forget those who had served others. He provided more than enough for everyone.
This abundance isn't just about physical provision. Jesus offers us something even greater – himself. He declares, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty" (John 6:35).
Living from Abundance
So how do we shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset? Here are some practical steps:
1. Practice gratitude: Start each day by thanking God for His provision.
2. Trust in Jesus' sufficiency: When you feel inadequate, remember that Jesus is more than enough.
3. Give generously: Don't let fear hold you back from sharing what you have.
4. Look for God's provision: Pay attention to how God meets your needs daily.
5. Share your stories of abundance: Encourage others by telling them how God has provided for you.
Remember, changing our mindset isn't about changing reality – it's about changing how we see reality. When we learn to see through Jesus' eyes, we'll discover that we always have more than enough, because we have him.
So, the next time you're tempted to think you don't have enough, pause and remember: in Jesus, you already have all you need. And that's more than enough to live a life of joyful, generous abundance.
Reflection:
1. How often do I focus on what I lack rather than what God has already provided?
2. In what areas of my life do I need to shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset?
3. How can I practice gratitude more consistently to recognize God's provision in my life?
4. Where is God calling me to share from His abundance, even when it seems I don't have enough?
Application:
Today, practice the "Take, Thank, Break, Share" approach with something God has given you. It could be your time, a talent, or a material resource. Take a moment to hold it (literally or figuratively), thank God for it, consider how it can be "broken" or divided to bless others, and then share it generously. Trust that as you give, God will continue to provide abundantly.
Prayer:
God, thank you for your abundant provision in my life. Forgive me for the times I've focused on scarcity rather than your generosity. Help me to trust you more fully, recognizing that you always provide more than enough. Give me the courage to share generously from what you've given me, knowing that you are the Bread of Life who satisfies my deepest needs. In Jesus' name, Amen.
