What are your “Loaves & Fish”?

If you’re anything like me, you heard the biblical account of the boy whose lunch became a feast for thousands when you were quite young. It’s a great account to capture the imaginations of young and old and is found in all four of the Gospels, Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, and John 6:1-13.   If you haven’t heard the account, let me summarize it here.

Jesus Christ had attracted a large following, people wanting to hear His unorthodox teaching, and hoping to see Him perform miracles like healing the blind, deaf, disabled, or the demon possessed.  They had followed Him without any thought as to where or what they might eat.  Jesus disciples discovered that the only food in their midst is a small boy’s lunch of bread and fish.  Jesus takes the boys lunch, prays over it, blesses it, and then shares it with the crowd of thousands.  They even had left-overs when they were done.  Needless to say, those who came hoping for a miracle, got one.

Anyway, from a very young age I wondered what my “loaves and fish” might be.  What might I possess that, when Jesus Christ asks for them, I could surrender them for His use? I can sing.  I’m an “above par” audio technician.  I love the satisfaction that comes from serving others in such a way that their lives have been blessed, perhaps without even knowing that I was involved.  In truth, I’m a “behind the scenes” servant at heart.  So when I assessed my potential offerings for the Lord, I’ve always been pleased to see if He would “feed the many” with anything I might give.

For the past several years my family has been involved with the planning and execution of The Salvation Army Central Territory’s C.B.L.I. encampment, Central Bible Leadership Institute (on Facebook).  We love it.  It’s a gathering of people across the spectrum of age and from all across the central United States.  Well, in late July, early August of 2016 we were once again gathered at Wonderland Camp & Conference Center when I saw an old friend, someone I have known for about 15 years.  But this time, as I looked at my friend, I wondered, “What has happened to him?  He’s so feeble, diminished, and lifeless.” I found out that his kidneys were failing.  Barring a miracle from God and a matching donor, he was going to need dialysis to stay alive.  Immediately I prayed, “Father, my friend, your son needs divine healing or a matching donor.  Please send him someone.”

Throughout the week of camp I prayed again and again for him and his family, even going so far as to offer to spread the word that he needs a donor with, “What blood type is he?”.  As soon as I heard his blood type and knew mine to be the same, I felt a nudge from God and heard Him ask, “Aren’t you ‘someone‘?”

I’ll cut to the chase here.  After months of testing, praying and waiting, I am giving one of my kidneys to my friend.  Here’s the thing.  I’m not doing it for praise or thanks.  I’m not trying to add a “jewel to my crown” or anything like that.  I’m simply offering my “loaves and fish” to the Master and am waiting to see what He’ll do with it.

I didn’t mention that my friend is a pastor.  When he speaks God’s Word people listen to hear God’s voice.  He’s a singer.  When he sings people are moved to tears, to action, to repentance, and to worship the Almighty.  He’s a husband and a father.  When I see him look at his wife and kids, I see a man who would lay down his life for them in a heartbeat.  But more than that, he’s investing in them every day, loving, guiding, correcting, giving and receiving from them, just as Christ does the church.  He’s a champion for social justice.  He’s a voice for those too afraid to speak.  He’s a defender of the downtrodden. I’m giving my “loaves and fish” to someone who has already “fed the thousands” and has “calmed the sea”.

What can God do with my “loaves and fish”?  I don’t know, but I’m watching to see.  Like the boy in the Bible, no one needs to know my name.  They simply need to follow the One to whom I make my offering and eat until they are filled from everything He offers them.

Ask Him today what your “loaves and fish” are.  When He asks you for them, don’t hesitate.  Give what you have and see what He will do.  He never disappoints.

For information on being a living organ donor, check out:

https://www.unos.org/donation/living-donation/

https://organdonor.gov/about/process/living-donation.html

Testing to Become a Living Donor