Do you still remember your multiplication tables from grade school? Your third-grade teacher sure hopes you do! Whether you remember up to 12×12 or not, the greatest benefit of the multiplication system is that it allows you to solve your problem faster than you could through simple addition. There is a captivating story in Matthew 14 where Jesus performs a miracle of multiplication demonstrating both His power and God’s desire to answer prayer – often beyond the way anyone anticipated!

Jesus and His disciples were headed to a remote area to get some much-needed rest, but a huge crowd followed them. Moved by compassion, Jesus began to teach and heal the sick. As evening approached, the disciples came to Jesus with some problems: they were in a remote place (there’s no food around), it was getting late (it’s hard to walk home in the dark), and the people were going to need something to eat. The disciples’ solution was to end the day of ministry and send people home.

Jesus’ response is so interesting in verse 18, “But Jesus said, ‘That isn’t necessary—you feed them.’”

The Bible says there are 5,000 men plus women and children, and so the disciples’ response to Jesus’ instruction seems reasonable, “‘But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!’ they answered.”

In other words, we don’t have enough resource for what you’re asking us to do Jesus! Jesus responds plainly, “Bring them here.” Jesus tells the disciples to bring Him what they have because Jesus knows that our “only” is God’s “opportunity.” When we have less than what’s needed to do what God’s called us to do, it’s a great opportunity for a miracle of multiplication!

Jesus takes the five loaves of bread and two fish and gives thanks. Instead of complaining about their lack, Jesus responds with gratitude for what’s been provided. When we choose an attitude of gratitude, even when we lack sufficient resource, it moves the heart of God and becomes the soil in which a miracle can grow.

Verse 19 says, “Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, He gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people.” The Bible doesn’t say that food for 10,000-15,000 suddenly appeared, but instead that as they distributed the food, it was multiplied. When you and I bring what we have to Jesus and then begin moving towards what He instructed us to do, the miracle of multiplication begins.

This miracle provides such an important principle for us to understand: when God speaks something to your heart, look at what He’s already placed in your hand, give thanks for it, and then begin to move. It’s through our obedience that God multiplies what we have and does a miracle of multiplication.

Scriptures

Matthew 14:13-21 (NIV)
“When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” “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 the 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.”

One of the incredible things about fasting is the unifying and powerful effect it can have on a gathering of believers. When a group of people seek the Lord with the right heart, incredible things will happen!

In Romans 12:3, the Apostle Paul gives us some valuable insights about the heart we are to have as we live in community with one another. This passage encourages us to have a realistic and humble view of ourselves, rather than thinking too highly of ourselves. We are to approach life with a sense of humility and avoid arrogance.

When it comes to fasting, this passage highlights the importance of undertaking the practice with sincerity and a humble heart. Fasting, at its core, is a spiritual discipline aimed at deepening our relationship with God and seeking His guidance, wisdom, and will. As we set aside time to focus on prayer and reflection, it is crucial for us to approach fasting without self-righteousness or a superiority complex. Instead, this time of fasting and prayer should elevate a genuine recognition of our weaknesses and dependence on God.

In verses 4 and 5, Paul goes on to illustrate the idea that as believers, we are part of a larger community, with each member having unique gifts and talents. These verses emphasize this interconnectedness and interdependence within the body of Christ. As Christians, we are not isolated individuals; we are part of a larger spiritual family, and our individual contributions are significant. These words from Paul carry special importance as they encourage us to recognize the strength that comes from unity.

We are all a part of a larger movement of God, and we all have a substantial part to play. Much more is at stake than you or I simply getting our prayer list answered. Our spiritual vitality contributes to the larger whole of the body of Christ. Simply put, we are stronger together. Each individual has an amplifying effect on the presence of God in the church when we pursue the Lord in unity. Your walk with the Lord matters, and your journey of seeking God during this fast will have a greater impact than you can ever realize.

Scriptures

Romans 12:3-5 (NIV)
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”

The book of Psalms is an incredible book that demonstrates the power and significance of prayer, worship, and deepening our hearts to the presence of God. It reminds us of God’s faithfulness and is full of Scriptures that relate to our humanity and emotional experiences. Today, we get profound insights from Psalm 103.

Psalm 103:1 begins with the exhortation to “bless the Lord, O my soul,” setting the tone for a psalm of praise and adoration. Fasting is an act of devotion that allows us to focus our minds and hearts on God. By intentionally abstaining from food or other distractions, we create space to recognize the greatness of our God through prayer, meditation, and worship – cultivating a deeper connection with our Creator.

Verse 2 of Psalm 103 reminds us not to forget the benefits that God provides. Fasting helps us shift our focus from the physical realm to the spiritual, heightening our awareness of God’s provision, mercy, and grace. It humbles us, reminding us of our dependence on God for sustenance and spiritual nourishment. Fasting also helps us detach from worldly desires, enabling us to experience the true satisfaction that comes from a relationship with God.

In verse 3, the psalmist celebrates God’s forgiveness of our sins. Through the discipline of fasting, we acknowledge our shortcomings and sins, recognizing our need for God’s mercy and cleansing. As we fast and seek God’s forgiveness, we experience the liberating power of His grace and the restoration of our souls.

Verse 3 also speaks of God’s healing. Fasting and prayer create an environment for physical, spiritual, and emotional healing. Fasting allows us to surrender our burdens and illnesses to God, seeking His intervention and trusting in His divine wisdom and timing. It can also promote self-discipline and healthier habits, benefiting our overall well-being. Furthermore, as we fast and draw near to God, He provides comfort and strength, enabling us to endure physical challenges with a renewed sense of purpose.

The fifth verse of Psalm 103 emphasizes God’s redemptive power. Fasting helps us break free from destructive patterns, addictions, and sinful behaviors, offering us a fresh start in our spiritual journey. Through fasting, we express our desire for God’s transformative work in our lives, inviting Him to restore and redeem every area that needs His touch. It is through this surrender that we experience the fullness of His love and find true freedom in Christ.

These five verses serve as a powerful reminder that we can draw closer to God, experience His forgiveness, find healing, and encounter His redeeming power as we fast and pray. May we embrace this spiritual discipline, knowing that through this fast, we can enter into a deeper, more intimate, and vibrant relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Scriptures

Psalm 103:1-5 (NIV)
“Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”