Reply To: Prayer Basics Discussion Board 1

[obiamonu]

I love the example given in Matthew 14:17-21 NKJV, where we find the well-known account of Jesus feeding the five thousand with just five loaves of bread and two fish. This passage is not only a testament to Jesus’ miraculous power but also an important lesson on the significance of praise, gratitude, and faith in the life of a believer.

Before the miracle took place, Jesus took the loaves and fish, looked up to heaven, and gave thanks and blessed God. By giving thanks and praise, Jesus demonstrated several key principles:

1. Recognition of God’s Provision: Jesus’ act of Praise and thanksgiving acknowledged that all provision comes from God. Despite the seemingly inadequate resources, Jesus expressed gratitude, showing trust in God’s ability to provide abundantly.

2. Faith in Action: Jesus’ act of giving thanks and paise before the miracle demonstrated faith. He praised God for what was to come, setting an example that faith is not just believing after seeing, but believing in advance and trusting in God’s provision and timing.

3. Teaching the Disciples: By giving thanks and praise, Jesus also taught His disciples an important lesson in faith and gratitude. The disciples saw scarcity, but Jesus saw an opportunity for God’s glory to be revealed. This encouraged them to trust in God’s provision beyond their immediate understanding and resources.

The Miracle and Its Implications

This miracle illustrates several profound truths
1. The Power of Gratitude: Thanksgiving and praise are powerful acts of faith that align us with God’s will and open the door for His blessings. Jesus’ thanksgiving was not merely a ritual but a profound acknowledgment of God’s provision.

2. Abundance in God’s Kingdom: The leftover baskets signify that God’s provision exceeds our needs. When we trust in Him and act in faith, He provides not just enough, but abundantly more than we can imagine.

3. Model for Believers: Jesus serves as the ultimate role model for believers. His life and actions consistently pointed to a deep reliance on and relationship with the Father. By following His example of gratitude and faith, believers can experience the fullness of God’s blessings in their lives.

Application for Believers
Practice Gratitude: Regularly give praise for what you have, no matter how insufficient it may seem. Gratitude is a powerful act of faith that can transform our perspective and open us up to God’s provision.

– Exercise Faith: Trust in God’s ability to provide and act in faith, even when circumstances seem challenging. Remember that God’s resources are limitless, and His timing is perfect.

– Emulate Jesus: Make Jesus your role model. His life of gratitude, prayer, and faith is the blueprint for a fulfilled and abundant spiritual life. By following His example, you align yourself with God’s will and open your life to His miracles.

In conclusion, Matthew 14:17-21 is a profound passage that teaches the importance of gratitude and faith. Jesus’ act of giving thanks before the miracle of feeding the five thousand serves as a powerful example for believers to follow. By practicing gratitude and exercising faith, we align ourselves with God’s will and open our lives to His abundant provision.