“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!”” John 6:5-7 NIV
It’s safe to say the disciples didn’t have the resources to buy a meal for a crowd of more than 5000, and Jesus was well aware of that. But God does not need money to accomplish what He wants done.
“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?”” John 6:8-9 NIV
Under normal circumstances, the boy’s small lunch wouldn’t have been nearly enough to meet the need, but when God is involved, there’s a new norm.
“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.” John 6:10-13 NIV
There wasn’t enough to provide for them all, but each received as much as they wanted! That just doesn’t add up, how can that be? When God is factored into the equation, there’s always enough!
There were 12 baskets of left overs, and 12 disciples. God made sure each disciple had the opportunity to gather a basket full of extra bread and fish, no doubt, a visual reminder of His unlimited ability to meet every need. Jesus didn’t need half a year’s wages to feed the people, as Philip had assumed. He used what was available.
Whatever God calls you to do, you can be sure your resources will be enough!