We all find ourselves in situations where we know someone has a need, or perhaps that person even asks us for help, but as much as we’d like to help, we know we don’t have what they need? Perhaps someone shares about a marriage conflict, but you’re not gifted to provide the family counseling they need. Or you can’t provide them with the job or the living situation that would solve their problem. They may have a financial need that has them in trouble with a lender, but you don’t have the money to help them. However, that doesn’t mean you’re empty-handed. You always have something to give.
Do you remember the young boy who decided he was going to go see Jesus, so that morning he packed his sack lunch of five barley loaves and two fish (John 6)? He was thinking it would take care of his hunger through the day. But later, as he sat in a crowd of thousands listening to Jesus, one of Jesus’ disciples approached him and said, “Son, I see you brought a lunch, and Jesus is asking for it. We have to feed all these people.” I’m sure the boy thought, “Are you kidding? This is just enough for me.” Nevertheless, he placed what he had in the hands of Jesus, and that little bit of food was multiplied and fed the huge crowd.
You may not have exactly what someone is asking you for, but do you have a hand you can lend when you can’t help financially? You may not be a counselor, but perhaps you can take their hand and offer a bold prayer for them in the name of Jesus. Maybe you can bring a meal to your neighbor who’s recovering from an illness. You can bring an encouraging word to put someone back on their feet when they’re down. Maybe it’s a moment when the gift of your time is more valuable than your money. Perhaps your sister just needs you to sit down for fifteen minutes and be a listening ear. Maybe she just needs you to nod and say, “Yes, you can do it.”
You are never empty-handed because we serve the Creator of the world. If you have the abundant mentality of a giver, when you put what you have in the hands of Jesus, no matter how great or small, it makes a difference in people’s lives. Just let your light shine, and you’re going to see miracles. Be an extravagant giver of what you have. Have the mentality that says, “I may not have exactly what you need today, but I have a prayer, I have a helping hand, I have an encouraging word, I have something I can do for you.” Then watch God take your little and feed a multitude.