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?” 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.” – John 6:8-12 NIV
We don’t know this little boys name. Who his parents were. Or where he came from. But what we do know is that he gave what he had to Jesus and it made all the difference. If we offer nothing to God then he will have nothing to use. But he can take the little that we do have and turn it into something great. Age is no barrier for God to work through you. Never think you are too old or too young.
The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.” – Judges 6:14-16 NIV
God responded to Gideon’s feelings of inadequacy just as he had responded to Moses before. God promised that he would be with him. The key to accomplishing an impossible task is always walking in the presence of God. This will give you confidence regardless of your family history or background. God will give you strength to overcome any opposition. You plus God is the majority.
Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work. – Nehemiah 2:17-18 NIV
God is in the business of working through his people to accomplish seemingly impossible task. God often shapes his people with personality, characteristics, experience and training that prepare them for his purpose. And usually the people have no idea what God has in store for them. This is the case for Nehemiah. Nehamiah was a regular man with a job as cupbearer to the king of Persia Artaxerxes. He had little power but great influence because as the kings cupbearer, he trusted Nehemiah. Nehemiah was able to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem in a very short time. Likewise God has positioned us in our careers and jobs and we have specific experiences that have shaped our lives and cause us to be who we are. Through all that we have done and been through, God has prepared us for a specific task to accomplish in the future for his glory.
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. – Luke 2:11-16 NIV
Can you imagine that you and the whole world have been reading about and waiting for something so big your entire life and as you are in the middle of your work shift God decides that you will be one of the first people to know that it’s here. That’s what happened to these shepherds. God decided to share the announcement of the birth of Jesus with them and he did it in spectacular fashion with angles singing praises to him. Just remember that God can choose you to reveal something big that he wants to do in the earth. Don’t think that you are too small or insignificant for God to let you be one of the first to know that something BIG is happening.
“So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.” So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah. – 1 Samuel 16:11-13 NIV
Saul was tall handsome and impressive looking. Samuel may have been trying to find someone who looked like Saul to be Israel’s next king. But God warned him against judging by appearances alone. David wasn’t even considered by his family to be the next king which is why he was out tending to the sheep when Samuel arrived. Fortunately God Judges character, not appearances. And because only God can see on the inside only he can accurately judge people. While everyone can see your outward appearance only God knows what’s really in your heart. So we should all take steps to improve our hearts attitude because that’s what God looks at and he can take us from the feels looking after sheep and place up in places where we are considered Kings according to God’s plan.