In Search of Thanks

by Leigh Ann Napier, iBloom Associate

Living in a state of gratitude doesn’t happen by accident. It is something you have to develop a discipline for. Some people and personalities may be more naturally bent to look on the brighter side of life…the half- full/ half-empty debate. Yet we are all called by Christ’s example to give thanks to God for what we have.

I found a detail this week as I was studying John that I hadn’t ever picked up on before. In chapter 6, Jesus felt compassion on the crowds that were following after him. They had traveled a great distance to hear His teachings and it began to get dark. As the disciples were asking Jesus to send the people away, Jesus didn’t want to send them away hungry. So he asked the disciples what they had to feed them. There were two responses: Philip’s and Andrew’s. Philip said it would take a year’s wages to feed the multitude and gave up before he ever started trying. Andrew, on the other hand, found a boy with 5 small barley loaves and 2 small fish. Now that, Jesus could work with.

For Andrew to find the boy with the fish and the bread, he had to take his eyes off of the seemingly impossible obstacle and focus on what he already had there in the crowd. He did what Jesus asked of him. He had to shift his focus. He had to search out what he already had rather than be discouraged by what he lacked.

Andrew brought what he had at his disposal to Jesus. Knowing full well it was inadequate. Knowing that what he brought to Jesus would never be enough. But when He brought it in faith, concentrating on what he had rather than what He lacked, Jesus performed a miracle with it. He fed 5,000 men (not to mention if that only represented the wives and children also…). Not only did God feed them to the point of being satisfied, but there were leftovers!

God can do exceedingly more than we ask or imagine when we bring him what we have and then rely on Him to do the rest.

Digging deeper:

1. Sometimes life may be so tough that it feels like there isn’t much to be thankful for. Don’t give up. Find the one thing you are most grateful for, bring it to Jesus, and ask Him to multiply the gratitude in your spirit. He can take what you have and do exceedingly more than you can imagine.

2. Is there someone you know who is going through a really rough season in life? Take time to do something for them. What you have to offer may seem only like the little boy’s lunch trying to feed the 5,000 men but to that person, Jesus can use what you give to satisfy their need…if only for one day.

3. Are you more of a Philip or and Andrew when you are faced with a challenge? Do you focus on how big your problem is or do you focus on how big your God is?


About iBloom:

iBloom is the go-to place for Christian life coaching for women. iBloom exists to inspire, equip, and empower every woman on the planet to live a life of passion, balance, purpose and fulfillment. iBloom is dedicated to helping women live intentionally and ultimately have a significant impact with their lives. To learn more, check out www.ibloom.us.