MARK 6:38, 41-44: “How much bread do you have?” he asked. “Go and find out.” They came back and reported, “We have five loaves of bread and two fish.” Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. He also divided the fish for everyone to share. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftover bread and fish. A total of 5,000 men and their families were fed.” NLT
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OBSERVATION: Will I have enough? Have you ever asked that question? As we are in the Christmas season, with family gatherings, gift exchanges, Christmas dinners, and the dawn of a New Year before us – we all are asking this question to some degree or another.

This year, our entire family has decided that we all have enough. We are focusing on blessing our children and the adults are not exchanging gifts. To be honest, there is nothing that we need at this stage in our life. Our focus is on making this Christmas a wonderful celebration around Jesus Christ and a joyful time of remembrance for our children.

It is also a season of change for my wife and me. This past Thursday I retired from the job I held for over 40 years. This is the job that provided for my family and made it possible to plant churches and pastor congregations that were not able to afford the salary of a full-time pastor. Over the years I have tried to be a good steward. I have honored the Lord with my tithe and saved money for this very day. And, now, with the reality before me, I find myself wondering…

Will this be enough?

Imagine how the disciples felt when Jesus looked over the crowd that Bible scholars estimate was over 20,000 people (when you add in women and children) and said – “Give them something to eat.” First, they did not even bring any supplies for themselves. Second, the only things they could rally from a small boy were 5 loaves of bread and two fish. Even the money they had with them would not even put a dent in doing what Jesus had asked. As they held the five loaves and two fish they looked at Jesus and their expressions cried out…

Will this be enough?

While God calls us always to be good stewards, to provide for our families, and to plan for the future, there are times when we will look to the challenges ahead and ask this same question. Whenever we are faced with these insecurities we need to frame the question, “Will this be enough?” in the proper context. Will it be enough to do what we want? Will it be enough to do what others expect of me? Or,

Will it be enough to fulfill God’s call and purpose for my life?

The number 7 and the number 12 have great importance in the Scriptures. The number 7 is the number of completion. It is the number of God. God created the world in 7 days. In the book of Revelation, we see the seven spirits of God around the throne, which is the fullness of the Holy Spirit. And, in this story of the feeding of the 5000, we have 7 pieces of food. Whatever we hold in our hands is always enough to fulfill the call and purposes of God for our life. Why?

It is because whatever we lack as we move forward in obedience – He will multiply!

From five loaves of bread and two small fish, a crowd of over 20,000 people ate as much as they desired. When they gathered up the scraps it filled twelve baskets. Twelve is the number of Israel. It is the number of the covenant of God with His people. There were 12 tribes. In the new Jerusalem, there will be 12 gates, guarded by 12 angels. God’s promise of enough is for His people. The children of Israel gathered just enough manna each morning. Their clothing and shoes did not wear out for 40 years as they wandered in the desert. And, God’s promise of provision is given to all who place their faith in Jesus Christ, both Jew and Gentile!

• “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen.” Philippians‬ ‭4:19-20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

As you look over your life this Christmas season, and before you open your gifts and begin to dream about this New Year, realize that In Jesus Christ you have already been given all things that pertain unto life and godliness. As we follow Christ, as we continue to seek His will for our lives, we can rest assured that whatever He asks us to do, wherever He calls us to go…

We will always have enough!

Lord, thank You for the countless blessings that You have provided for me over the years I have walked with You. Remind me daily of Your faithfulness. As I look forward to a new reality, as I greet this New Year, help me to walk in the faith and assurance that the seven small things I hold in my hand will always be enough!

In Jesus Name!