Multiplication

Through countless seasons of feeling inadequately prepared for the challenges ahead of me I have recalled the gospel’s testimonies of Jesus taking small portions and multiplying them into abundance. From turning water into wine to feeding 5,000 people with only five loaves and two fish, I have drawn from these promises that there is no obstacle that cannot be overcome with faith in the Lord.

As my spiritual maturity has progressed my prayers in these times of scarcity, doubt or fear have changed. Understandably, most of us pray for our desired result. That if we’re wishing for something tremendous with a mountain in our way, we plea for miraculous intervention in the overcoming of our Goliaths so that we are able to see our victory in whatever we’re pursuing.

Instead of praying for a result, now I pray for wisdom. I seek wisdom because now I understand that challenges in life aren’t just these coincidental speed bumps or arbitrary hindrances to the things we want. Most often our challenges are designed by God to instruct- to teach us, either in thought or lifestyle, a different way of doing or being. If we greet our adversity with this perspective there is unlimited potential for spiritual growth by leaning into faith, wisdom and direction from the Lord. More important than any desired result, our dependency and overall relationship with God (which is most often strengthened through hard times) is the most precious gift we can ever glean from our trials.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” James 1:1