Empty Baskets

     In chapter 14 of Matthew you will find a familiar story. After a long day of watching Jesus heal the sick the disciples came to Jesus and said, "We are in the middle of nowhere and it's getting late. Tell the people to go back into town so they can find some food." Jesus said, 'They don't need to go anywhere, you feed them." When the disciples told Him that they only had 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish, He said, "Bring them to me." He then told the people to have a seat while He blessed the food and handed them back to the disciples.

     We all know the story and we know how it ends, but I want to stop right here for a minute and consider the disciple's point of view. They are now standing in front of a hungry crowd expecting to be fed and they know something the crowd doesn't' there are only 5 loaves and 2 fish. That means that 5 of the disciples were not holding anything, they were standing there with empty baskets and were expected to feed thousands from them. So often I have felt like that, standing in front of a crowd knowing full well that my basket was empty. They were doing what Jesus had told them to do, but they had to be having some second thoughts. There is an important point here, when you are in the middle of God's will, the fact that your basket is empty is irrelevant, God will handle that part. You just need to do what He has called you to do. God will fill your basket, not just to sufficiency but to abundance.

     When you find yourself exactly where God has placed you but with an empty basket. Take heart, just like the disciples, you will find yourself with leftovers if you just believe in the one that has called you to that place. Your empty basket will be filled and filled to abundance.