No Experience Required

Matthew 14:15 When it was evening, the disciples came to Him and said, “This place is desolate and the hour is already late; so send the crowds away, that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 But Jesus said to them,“They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat!” 17 They *said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.” 18 And He said, “Bring them here to Me.” 19 Ordering the people to sit down on the grass, He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food, and breaking the loaves He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds, 20 and they all ate and were satisfied. They picked up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve full baskets.

Do you ever feel inadequate or ill-equipped to do a job.  I feel that way perpetually.  Every time I attempt to do something of any significance, I am shocked and overjoyed when it turns out positively.  Maybe I should not be.  Maybe you should not either.  Maybe we should expect positive results, not because of our of gifts and talents, but because of the one who gave them to us in the first place.

In the story above from Matthew, over 5000 people are fed from 5 loaves and 2 fish.  This miracle no doubt created quite a buzz.  While Jesus was the one who blessed the food and broke the loaves, notice who it was that collected the few loaves and fish in the first place.  And notice who it was that distributed the food to the crowd.  It was the disciples.  

They did their part.  Jesus did his part.  And over 5000 people were fed and blessed.  Did the disciples need any more resources than they had brought with them?  Did they need more knowledge of Scripture?  Did they need to know how to pray better prayers or get their lives straightened out first or kick a habit or get some training or add anything to their skill sets?  No!  They had all they needed already with them if they were willing to give what they had to Jesus.  No previous experience required!  

May you realize that you already possess all you need to do great things.  May you surrender what you have to the grace of God in Christ Jesus.  May you come to know first hand, the joy of seeing God take what you perceive as inadequate, and making it powerful enough to do miracles. May you understand that there is nothing holding you back, and that as you respond to Christ's call, you are already more than able.