Stepping Out in Confidence

A common response to the opportunity to go on a mission trip is something like, "I would love to go, but I don't have the time or the money. I want to, but don't think I can."

This morning, I read an interesting interpretation of the well-known story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 people. Thomas Keating suggests that Jesus did not actually "multiply" the 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish that were given to him. But rather,

"he took one step, and then stepped back and let God do the rest. What was that step? It was the extraordinary gesture of attempting to feed thousands of people with next to nothing...That gesture of confidence opened the hearts of the people...Others had supplies they had brought with them...When they saw Jesus make this extraordinary act of confidence in them, they reached into their sacks and pulled out all that was there. As they passed around their supplies, everybody had more than was needed...The greatest miracle is the opening of the human heart to the generosity of God.

The first step in responding to human need does not have to be a big thing, but may change the world."

Deciding to go on a mission trip to another country is a small step of confidence, demonstrating your faith in God. It is opening your heart to God's generosity, both in your desire to be generous to those in need, and your willingness to let God show his generosity in your life. Jesus himself did not have much to give. But he offered what he had to God, and his simple act of faith inspired those around him to help out, to pitch in, to follow his lead, and a miracle happened that is still being told today.

What might happen if you decide to take a step of faith? How might the people in your life respond? How might you be surprised by the generosity of God and other people?