John 6:5-6, "When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward Him, He said to Philip, ‘Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat? He asked this only to test him, for He already had in mind what He was going to do."

Think

This is the start of the famous story of Jesus feeding the five thousand. Great crowds were always following Jesus because of his incredible teaching and miracles. Jesus quizzed Philip to see what Philip would say about the problem at hand. "Got any suggestions on how to feed this huge flock of people, Philip?" He was giving Philip a pop quiz. He wanted to see how Philip would tackle this problem. This should remind us that God tests us and, just like with Philip, sometimes the test question is about provision. The tail end of this verse has one divine twist. Jesus already knew the answer and already had in his mind what he was going to do. This same is true for us. Jesus always knows what he's going to do in advance. All we have to do is to believe, be available, and offer whatever we have and he will miraculously multiple it. Jesus provided for them then and continues to provide for us today!

Act

Test yourself with the following question: Do you believe that Jesus is still in the miraculous multiplication business? If so, why not take a financial step of faith and give more than you've been giving to the Lord? Then, sit back and see if today's lesson doesn't come to fruition in your own life. Watch as God miraculously multiplies what you give him, as he turns it into a powerful provision in your life.

Pray

God, it is so comforting to know that you always provide what I need exactly when I need it. Help me to trust you with my finances and place on my heart a willingness to give. Thank you for this Bible story.  I'm grateful that its principles still hold true for me even today! In Jesus' name, Amen.