What Do You Have? Trusting God with What You Have

Devotional

Day 1: What’s Bigger Than Me Is Never Bigger Than God

No matter how overwhelming our circumstances may seem, nothing is too great for God to handle. When the disciples faced a crowd of thousands with only a small lunch, they saw only their lack, but Jesus saw an opportunity for God’s power to be displayed. We are reminded that God specializes in doing the impossible, and what is beyond our ability is never beyond His. When we trust Him with what we have, He multiplies it beyond what we could ever imagine. [19:01]

Mark 6:35-44 (ESV)
35 And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late.
36 Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.”
37 But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?”
38 And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.”
39 Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass.
40 So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties.
41 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all.
42 And they all ate and were satisfied.
43 And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish.
44 And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.

Reflection: What is one situation in your life right now that feels too big for you? How can you invite God to take control and trust Him to do what only He can do today?

Day 2: After Surrender Comes the Blessing

True blessing comes when we release what we’re holding onto and place it fully in Jesus’ hands. The disciples had to let go of the little they had before Jesus could multiply it; clinging to our resources, plans, or fears keeps us from experiencing God’s increase. It’s only after we surrender—after we let go and trust Him completely—that God brings the blessing, not before. [24:38]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.

Reflection: What is something you are still clutching tightly in your life? What would it look like to truly let it go and place it in Jesus’ hands today?

Day 3: We Are Called to Compassionate Action

Compassion is not just a feeling but a call to action; Jesus saw the needs of the crowd and was moved to teach, feed, and care for them. As followers of Christ, we are called to move beyond words and good intentions, stepping out to meet the needs around us with what we have. Our faith is made real when it is expressed through loving, sacrificial action for others. [13:01]

James 2:15-17 (ESV)
15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food,
16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?
17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

Reflection: Who is someone in your life or community with a need you can help meet this week? What specific action can you take to show the love of Jesus to them?

Day 4: God Multiplies What We Place in His Hands

When we offer what we have to God, no matter how small, He multiplies it for His glory and the good of others. The boy’s lunch was insignificant on its own, but in Jesus’ hands, it became more than enough. God’s math is always greater, and He delights in using our surrendered resources, time, and talents to bless many. [26:40]

2 Corinthians 9:10-11 (ESV)
10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

Reflection: What is one resource, talent, or opportunity you can offer to God today? How might He use it to impact others beyond what you can see?

Day 5: Jesus Is Our Greatest Miracle and Our Only Way Home

The greatest miracle is not just what God does for us, but what He has done in us through Jesus Christ. Salvation is a gift of grace, not earned by our efforts, but received by faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection. He is the only way to be restored to God, and He invites each of us into a relationship with Him, offering forgiveness, new life, and a place in God’s family. [34:07]

John 1:12 (ESV)
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

Reflection: Have you personally received Jesus as your Savior and trusted Him with your life? If not, what is holding you back from saying “yes” to Him today? If you have, how can you share this miracle with someone else this week?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered to remember that we serve a God of miracles—one who is not limited by our circumstances or our resources. Each of us is here by the grace of God, and whether we realize it or not, His plans for us are unfolding even now. The greatest miracle is Jesus Himself, who brings us from death to life, and He remains faithful to us in every season. Our calling as followers of Christ is to keep moving forward, never settling, always growing in faith and pursuing a deeper relationship with God. This is not just about attending church, but about being in God’s presence and allowing Him to work in and through us.

We reflected on the story from Mark 6, where Jesus feeds the five thousand. The disciples faced an impossible situation—thousands of hungry people and only a small boy’s lunch to offer. Yet, Jesus challenged them not to focus on what they lacked, but to consider what they had and to place it in His hands. The miracle happened not when they held onto their limited resources, but when they surrendered them to Jesus. What was insufficient in their hands became more than enough in His. This is a powerful reminder that God asks us to do what we can, and when we do, He does what only He can do.

Faith is not about having all the answers or resources; it’s about trusting God with what we have, even when it doesn’t seem like enough. We are called to live by faith, stepping into places that require God to show up, so that He alone receives the glory. Our compassion must move us to action, and our obedience must precede the blessing. When we let go and trust God, He multiplies our offering far beyond what we could imagine, impacting lives for eternity.

We also celebrated the stories of transformation in our church and the impact of our generosity—how seeds sown in faith are changing lives, like the young boy in our orphanage who is now preparing for ministry. Ultimately, it all begins with knowing Jesus. If you don’t yet have a relationship with Him, today is the day to say yes and experience the miracle of new life.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Miracles Begin with Surrender Miracles often start when we release what we have to God, even if it seems small or insignificant. Holding tightly to our resources or abilities limits what God can do, but surrendering them opens the door for His supernatural provision. The act of letting go is an act of faith, trusting that God can do more with our little than we ever could on our own. [24:03]
2. Faith Requires Action, Not Just Intention Compassion is not real until it moves us to action. It’s easy to see needs and feel empathy, but Jesus calls us to step out and do something about it. Our faith is demonstrated not just by what we believe, but by how we respond to the needs around us, trusting God to use our obedience for His glory. [13:01]
3. God Multiplies What We Place in His Hands The resources we have may seem inadequate for the challenges before us, but God specializes in taking what is limited and making it abundant. When we offer what we have—no matter how small—God multiplies it to meet needs far beyond our imagination. The blessing comes after the surrender, not before. [25:14]
4. Living by Faith Means Stepping into the Impossible God calls us to live by faith, not by sight, stepping into situations that are bigger than ourselves. It is in these moments of uncertainty and inadequacy that God’s power is most clearly displayed. Our willingness to trust Him in the impossible brings Him glory and draws others to Jesus. [06:32]
5. The Greatest Miracle is New Life in Christ While God provides for our physical needs, the greatest miracle is the transformation that comes through faith in Jesus. Salvation is not about religion or good works, but about trusting in Christ’s finished work on the cross. When we say yes to Jesus, we move from death to life and become part of God’s family forever. [32:45]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:16] - God of Miracles: Setting the Stage
[01:14] - The Miracle of Salvation
[03:23] - Missions Month and the Call to Go
[04:18] - When We Do What We Can, God Does What Only He Can
[05:46] - Trusting God: A Question for Every Believer
[06:18] - Living by Faith, Not by Sight
[07:47] - Ministry Growth and Spiritual Opposition
[10:20] - Jesus Seeks Rest, Crowds Seek Jesus
[12:22] - Compassion in Action
[14:35] - The Disciples’ Dilemma: Feeding the Multitude
[17:46] - Wrestling with God’s Instructions
[19:40] - What Do You Have? Taking Inventory
[22:02] - Surrendering What’s in Your Hand
[25:14] - The Miracle of Multiplication
[28:49] - Faith, Surrender, and Blessing
[32:10] - The Invitation to New Life in Christ
[34:38] - Responding to Jesus and Next Steps
[36:27] - Final Encouragement and Celebration

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Study Discussion Guide: God of Miracles**

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### Bible Reading

**Mark 6:32-44 (ESV)**
> 32 And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. 33 Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. 35 And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. 36 Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” 38 And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39 Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. 41 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. 42 And they all ate and were satisfied. 43 And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. 44 And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.

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### Observation Questions

What was the disciples’ initial reaction when Jesus told them to feed the crowd? What reasons did they give for not being able to do it? ([17:46])
According to the passage, what did Jesus do with the five loaves and two fish before distributing them to the people? ([24:38])
What was the result after the food was placed in Jesus’ hands and distributed? How much was left over? ([26:40])
In the sermon, what modern example did the pastor give to show how a small act of generosity can have a big impact? ([30:50])

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### Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus asked the disciples, “What do you have?” instead of just performing the miracle right away? What lesson was he teaching them? ([19:40])
The pastor said, “Miracles often start when we release what we have to God, even if it seems small or insignificant.” Why is surrender so important in experiencing God’s miracles? ([24:03])
The disciples saw the need and felt compassion, but Jesus challenged them to act. What does this say about the difference between feeling compassion and taking action? ([13:01])
The sermon mentioned that the greatest miracle is new life in Christ. How does this miracle compare to the physical miracle of feeding the five thousand? ([32:45])

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### Application Questions

The disciples focused on what they lacked instead of what they had. Is there an area in your life right now where you are more focused on your limitations than on what God can do? What would it look like to shift your focus? ([18:15])
Jesus asked the disciples to surrender what little they had. Is there something in your life—time, resources, abilities—that you are holding onto tightly? What would it mean for you to “let it go” and place it in God’s hands this week? ([24:03])
The pastor said, “Compassion is not real until it moves us to action.” Can you think of a need around you that you’ve noticed but haven’t acted on? What is one step you could take this week to move from compassion to action? ([13:01])
The sermon shared a story about a boy in the orphanage whose life was changed because of the church’s generosity. Who is someone in your life that could be impacted if you offered what you have, even if it seems small? ([30:50])
The message challenged us to live by faith, stepping into situations that require God to show up. What is one area where you feel God is asking you to trust Him beyond your comfort zone? How can the group pray for you in this? ([06:32])
The pastor said, “After the surrender comes the blessing, not before.” Have you ever experienced a time when you saw God multiply your offering or obedience after you let go? Would you be willing to share that story? ([24:38])
The greatest miracle is new life in Christ. If you have already said yes to Jesus, how can you share that miracle with someone else this week? If you haven’t, what is holding you back from taking that step? ([32:45])

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**Closing Prayer Suggestion:**
Ask God to help you trust Him with what you have, to move from compassion to action, and to experience the miracle of His presence and provision in your life. Pray for courage to surrender and for opportunities to impact others for eternity.

Sermon Clips

As followers of Jesus Christ, that is what God has always called us to do. Never settle with where we're at. Always constantly moving forward, growing in the grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Always pursuing this relationship. Always drawing close to God. Always seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. And allowing God to do what only God can do because we serve an incredible God. [00:03:30] (25 seconds) #KeepGrowingInFaith

We have a responsibility to do what God has called us to do. We have the responsibility to trust God with only what God said He can do. And so at the end of the day, we've got to ask ourselves the question, how much am I trusting God? [00:05:23] (16 seconds) #TrustGodFully

Because when I'm living by faith, when I'm taking steps of faith, I am stepping into places that are bigger than me that require God to show up. And that's what God wants. He wants to constantly show up in our lives and do things in our lives. Now, listen to me. Not simply so that we can be blessed. But so that we can draw attention to ourself to bring glory to God. [00:06:27] (27 seconds) #FaithInvitesGodToShowUp

Let me just say this. Whenever Jesus, whenever, you know, the presence of God is in a particular place, people want to be in that place. And they may not realize it, but they just might be saying, man, I know this. Jesus, there's something going on there. And I don't know what it is, but I want to be around it. I want to see what's going on. [00:11:11] (21 seconds) #CompassionInAction

Once it's released, once it's in Jesus's hand, once you let it go, then comes the blessing. Don't get it reversed. Sometimes we want to do this. I need you to increase this. And once you increase it, I'll give you some of what, you know, I'll give you some of the increase. Jesus said, that's not how it works. I need you to put it in my hand. And then comes the blessing. Then comes the increase. [00:24:50] (28 seconds) #FromLittleToUnlimited

What becomes one boy's lunch? What becomes a limited resource in my hand becomes an unlimited blessing in the hand of God. And don't miss this. When they had to first let it go. [00:25:39] (19 seconds) #BetterInGodsHands

What started off with a little tiny boy's lunch enough for one. And I just need you to see this when in my hand, it feeds one in God's hand. There's no telling what that resource will do. [00:27:28] (22 seconds) #SowAndFeedTheWorld

God has called us to make a decision. What do you have and whose hands it in? I wonder if it's better in my hand or if it's better in your hand. Don't tell me what God can't do because I've seen what he can do. We're reminded of what he can do. [00:28:44] (25 seconds) #StopFightingTrustGod

If you've been a Christian for any length of time and you understand the tithe, God will do more with your 90 than you can do with your hundred. I want to encourage you to start sowing seed and helping us feed the world. And I'm not just talking about filling their bellies only. I'm talking about giving them the bread of life and living water. His name is Jesus. Amen. [00:31:41] (29 seconds)

If you're playing tug of war with Jesus, you're never going to win that battle. Let it go. My encouragement to you, for some of you, you're just like, I'm in this weird place. Stop fighting with God. Trust God. Be obedient to what he's asked you to do. And after the surrender, somebody say after, not before. After the surrender comes the blessing. Too many people have it backwards. Just let it go and watch what God will do. [00:36:18] (39 seconds)

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