In this “All or Nothing” world we live in today, it can be challenging to feel like you’ve got what it takes to do, well, anything. Especially in motherhood. Society can make you feel so inadequate. If you don’t have the best toys for your kids, you’re failing. If you don’t pay for the best learning programs on their tablets, are you even trying to get them into college one day? We are forced into a corner and we end up feeling like this: If we can’t do it all, then we do nothing.
I have felt this in motherhood, but recently had this pressure in my spiritual walk as well. I felt like I was not good enough to make big things happen. I am not able to bring thousands of people to the Lord with my words or talents. I don’t have the platform or social media influence to make a difference. Here’s the thing, you don’t have to, you just have to let the Holy spirit use what you have. You don’t have to save the world; you just have to give Jesus yours.
I want to share with you three other people in the bible who didn’t have a lot to give, but gave it all.
1: The poor widow and her penny.
Mark 12:41-44 goes like this-
“And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:43-44).
If this is me, I’m thinking to myself, “What on earth will my penny contribute to this offering?” But this poor widow gave what she could, and Jesus said that she “put in more” than the rich. You see, it’s not about the number she was giving, it’s about attitude behind the giving. She gave what she could, all she could, in that season of her life.
2. The boy with some fish.
Take a minute to read John 6:1-15.
Jesus is preaching to a large group of people, about 5,000 actually, and he asks his disciples to find them some food. Now if you have ever been to an event with 5,000 people, you know that catering for a group that large takes some planning and a lot of food and money. The disciples have no idea what to do until Andrew finds a kid who is willing to share his lunch.
John 6:9 says, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?”
They know there is no way that this little food could feed a group this large, so why even try?
I’ll tell you why, because Jesus can do some crazy things if you trust him to.
John 6:11 says, “Jesus then took the loaves, and hen he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also, the fish, as much as they wanted.”
Jesus fed 5,000 people with a little boy’s sack lunch ya’ll.
That little boy had no idea that by offering up what he had, Jesus would use it to reach literally thousands of people.
3. David’s Rock.
Take some time to read 1 Samuel 17. It’s the story of David and Goliath.
Even if you did not grow up in church, you have probably heard the story of David and Goliath. Society loves a good underdog story and this is one of the most famous underdog stories in the history of the world.
David’s older brothers were on the front lines of this war with the Philistines. David was simply a shepherd. He stayed behind to help his father care for their flock. However, one day he went to visit his brothers to take them provisions and that is where he meets Goliath. A little fact, goliath was approximately 9 feet tall. Everyone was afraid of him. 1 Samuel 17:24 says, “All the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him and were much afraid.” David however, takes one look and says, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine,” (1 Samuel 17:32). For you see, David had fought off “lions and bears (17:36) and the Lord delivered him “from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear” (17:37). So, David was confident that he would also deliver him from “the hand of this Philistine” (17:37). David then, with no armor, because it was too heavy on his body, “took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead” (17:49).
David killed Goliath… with a rock. He used his past experiences and more importantly, remembered God’s faithfulness and acted on that. David didn't tell everyone how big Goliath was and run away, he told everyone how big his God was and ran towards Goliath with confidence. He gave everything he knew to give, even though it was laughably less that what seemed necessary to get the job done.
So, you see momma, it may feel like you don’t have much to offer at times, but never doubt what Jesus can do with what you’ve got. Whatever you do, do it in the name of the Lord. Remember his faithfulness in the past and give what you’ve got. Let him do the rest!
Prayer: Father God, help me to remember that it is not up to me to save the world. Jesus did that when he died on the cross for everyone. Remind me of your faithfulness and provision and give me the courage and perseverance to give you what I’ve got so you can use it for your glory. Help me to never doubt your wonderous ways.
Scripture: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17 ESV).
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