Exponential Multiplication

"'We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,' they answered. 'Bring them here to me,' he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. 
Matthew 14:17-21

The story of the feeding of the five thousand is one of the most beloved stories in the Bible. From the time we were children, we have had this story told to us. Children learn that God cares for us and can meet our needs. But this story goes well beyond that. This is a story of multiplication. It is a graphic reminder that our God knows no limits. He is not limited by the supply we see or even by the laws of nature. The same benefits the five thousand men enjoyed that day are available to us today. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
    The background of the story is important to understand. Jesus had just been given the news that his friend and predecessor, John the Baptist had been beheaded by the king. He had gone to a remote place to be alone and pray. However, people saw him and soon the large crowd had gathered. Jesus responded to them by healing all those who were brought to him and then feeding them. Afterward, he still went to a solitary place to pray. To me, this speaks of the selflessness of God. We always come first. Even though Jesus was undoubtedly troubled by the events, he chose to minister to the people first. I love this about our God. He always takes time to take care of us.
    With only five loaves and two fish, Jesus fed thousands. Sometimes we may feel this way. Our strength may be gone, the cupboards may be bare, or the bank account empty. But the same God who fed the five thousand takes care of us. The kind of math that God uses is not addition, it is multiplication. He does things big. Imagine how big the multiplication was. There were only two small fish and five small loaves. Jesus didn't divide it among the people, he multiplied it beyond what they needed. There was more than enough. This is how God deals with us. The problem is that we struggle to believe it and therefore receive it. God's will is to bless us richly in every way. He is most concerned about our spirits because this is the eternal part. But he is also concerned with our souls and our physical beings. He wants to care for us in incredible ways. Our part is to simply believe, obey what he tells us and receive what he has. Even the five thousand had to obey Jesus' command to sit down on the grass. If some left, not believing they would be fed, they missed the blessing. Let's not miss God's blessings.
    Whatever you need today, look to God. He will provide. When you look to him, believe for the principle of exponential multiplication. This is how God intends to bless us. His blessings are immeasurably beyond what we can imagine. Be prepared to receive in every area of your life; spirit, soul, and flesh. If you are in financial need, believe for the incredible. If you are in emotional distress, believe for a peace that you cannot understand. Whatever the need, God will provide and he will multiply the blessing...exponentially.