More Than Enough: How Faith and Gratitude Turn Little Into Abundance
Pastor Reed Sowell
When we think about abundance, our minds often jump to material wealth or an overflow of resources. But what if abundance is less about quantity and more about perspective? The story of Jesus feeding a crowd of over 5,000 people offers profound insights into how faith and gratitude transform scarcity into overflowing blessings. Click the link above for the full message.
A Small Offering in a Sea of Need
Imagine standing in the midst of a crowd of over 10,000 people—men, women, and children—all hungry. The story from John 6 tells of a young boy who brought five small barley loaves and two fish. This was a modest meal, barely enough for one person, let alone a stadium-sized crowd. Yet, Jesus used this small offering to feed everyone present, with plenty left over.
Why is this significant? Because the boy gave what little he had, despite knowing it wasn’t enough. His willingness to offer his small meal created the opportunity for a miracle. The truth is, with Jesus, even our smallest offerings can multiply beyond our imagination.
Without Jesus, the loaves and fish were lunch for one.
With Jesus, they became a feast for thousands.
What do you have in your life that feels “not enough”? Whether it’s your time, talents, or resources, placing them in Jesus' hands can transform them into something extraordinary.
Faith in the Face of Inadequacy
It’s easy to feel like what we have or who we are isn’t sufficient. But this miracle demonstrates that God doesn’t require us to have enough—He asks us to have faith. The boy could have held back his food, worrying that it wouldn’t make a difference. Instead, he gave it all.
Think about this:
Do you hesitate to offer your skills or time because you feel inadequate?
Are you holding back from serving others because your circumstances don’t seem ideal?
1 Peter 4:10 encourages us: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
Your home may feel too small to host others. Your budget might seem too tight to give generously. Your talent may feel unpolished. Yet, when offered to God, even these “not enough” moments can lead to abundance for you and those around you.
Gratitude Before the Miracle
One of the most striking details in this story is how Jesus gave thanks before the food was multiplied. Holding just five loaves and two fish, He expressed gratitude to God for what had been provided. Can you imagine what the disciples must have thought?
Gratitude in the face of scarcity is a bold act of faith. It shifts our focus from what we lack to what we already have and acknowledges God as the ultimate provider.
What would it look like to give thanks before your miracle?
Instead of focusing on what you’re waiting for, thank God for what you’ve already received.
Remember that God sees the entire timeline of your life. His provision is always timely, even if it doesn’t match your expectations.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Gratitude isn’t just for the good times. It’s a posture that aligns our hearts with God’s purposes, even in the waiting.
The Bread of Life
The feeding of the 5,000 is more than a story about bread and fish; it’s a powerful metaphor for Jesus Himself. After this miracle, Jesus tells the crowd, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35).
Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of our deepest needs. Physical bread satisfies hunger temporarily, but the bread of life—Jesus—nourishes our souls eternally.
Are you searching for purpose, meaning, or peace?
Do you find yourself striving for satisfaction in things that never truly fulfill?
The crowd came to Jesus for food, but He offered them something greater: Himself. The same invitation is extended to us today.
Partnering in the Miracle
The disciples played a hands-on role in this miracle. They distributed the multiplied bread and later gathered the leftovers. Imagine their awe as they realized they were part of something so extraordinary.
As followers of Jesus, we’re invited to partner with Him in sharing the bread of life. This isn’t just about physical needs—it’s about bringing hope, truth, and love to a world in need.
When was the last time you told someone about Jesus?
Have you invited someone to experience the love of Christ?
God chooses to use us—flawed, imperfect, and sometimes inadequate people—as His messengers. There’s no backup plan. We are His Plan A.
Living a Life of Faith and Gratitude
Faith and gratitude are transformative. When we trust God with what we have and thank Him for what He’s already done, we open the door for miracles.
Ask yourself:
What small offering can I give to God today?
How can I practice gratitude, even in challenging circumstances?
Who in my life needs to hear about the bread of life?
Don’t let feelings of inadequacy hold you back. Take a step of faith, and watch God turn your “not enough” into “more than enough.”
Further Reading
“Gratitude Before the Miracle” by Ann Voskamp (read here)
“Faith in Action: Trusting God with What You Have” by Max Lucado (read here)
Other Links
Want to hear more? Check out a message titled Fear of God by Pastor Reed on YouTube.
Explore more resources to grow in your faith at www.viewchurch.co/resources.