What God Can Do With Small Offerings

I was watching Season 3 Episode 8 of The Chosen this week. It’s not the first time I’ve watched it, by far. I generally have the show on in the background when I’m working around the house. I know the storyline, I’ve seen it umpteen times; I can stop when a favorite scene comes on. This episode reminded me of what God can do with small offerings.

They were reenacting the loaves and fishes verse from John 6. 

Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick. Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. The Jewish Passover Festival was near.

When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.

Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!”

Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”

Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.

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.

The disciples are nearly frantic trying to figure out how to feed the thousands of people who gathered, rather impromptu in this retelling, to hear Jesus speak. All the citizens from several towns were there, so even if the disciples could hike to a nearby town, there would be no shopkeepers to sell them food. And let’s face it, who has money enough to feed thousands of people even a little bit of food? 

My Recap:

Picture this. Thousands and thousands of people sitting in a huge field. Twelve disciples. Jesus. This young boy comes by with his five loaves and two fish. The math clearly does not add up. 

A young boy steps forward with his basket. He tells Andrew that his mother sent him with his food and he’s happy to share. 

Andrew brings the basket to Jesus and the disciples. He shows them the contents of the basket. 

Today It Hit Me

I’ve read this story maybe a hundred times over the years. I know how it goes. The fact that miracles no longer impress me is a topic for a future post.

So, I’m sort of watching the show while I work in the kitchen. 

I glance up to see Andrew showing the basket to Jesus and the disciples. He looks apologetic and skeptical. The boy, however, looks hopeful and is clearly so proud to be sharing his small offering. 

I thought his excitement was cute, but naive. My thoughts reflected the expression on Andrew’s face.

The Holy Spirit Strikes Again

I was instantly struck, though. Honestly, the Holy Spirit convicts me when I least expect it. I’ve read this story and watched this scene so many times I could probably recite them in my sleep. 

But the Holy Spirit reminded me that He just asks that we bring what we have. The boy didn’t know what Jesus would do, but he was so happy to do his part. He didn’t have to be THE solution, but he could be a PART of the solution with his small offering. 

I’ve heard this sentiment a lot. But I don’t think I’ve ever let it sink in. So often I hesitate to share what I have – my knowledge, experiences, failures. I don’t think anyone wants to hear. I assume that my offering is too meager to share with the world.

The Holy Spirit wasn’t done with me yet, though. 

I felt Him tell me to write a post about this boy on The Chosen. I pushed back, “Lord, I haven’t written a post in so long. I’m just one lone voice. The market is FILLED with voices these days. What’s one more? What can MY voice do?” I clearly had not learned the lesson I just witnessed. 

God is Calling You, Too

God is calling me to share my observations and lessons. Will I reach the world with a million followers and a stage to speak on? Probably not. 

But these posts are my loaves and fish; my small offering. They’re the part I can bring. God reveals so much to me and sharing those revelations are important. They may “only” reach one person, but that person may need the message God gave me. 

So today I remind you to share what you have. Bring what God has given you. Don’t worry about how big your impact will be.

You might reach the one person who totally needs what you have to offer, or God may multiply your offering and reach thousands. But the important part is the sharing. We may not know God’s entire path for us, but He does give us light for today.

Our job is to just share what He’s given us for today.

FAQ’s

Maybe you’ve fallen away from God. What should you do? Turn back to Him! God is ready for you to return to Him. There’s no cleanup needed in advance. His forgiveness is free and waiting for you.

What about those of you who are just plain tired? You’ve been giving and sharing but you’re about out of strength. I get it. Giving to others IS tiring. But God knows. Pray first. Check in with Him to see what He would have you offer. A small offering is better than no offering. Do what you can, but remember sometimes we run ahead of God. So check in with Him before you take steps.

What’s Your Small Offering?

What do you have that you can share with the world? No matter how small it is – tell us in the comments. That tiny step – just telling – may be the starting point for a beautiful celebration of gifts God has given you.

Peace & Joy,

🌸 Andrea

Did you find this post interesting or helpful? If so, please share it – you can use the social buttons below.

When you share my post with your friends and family, you are helping spread God’s love. Thank you for partnering with me!