When the Math isn’t Adding Up

Have you ever run short on money, or questioned how you were going to pay the bills this month? Where the math just wasn’t adding up?

There were funds, but when comparing them to the pile of bills, how would this math ever work?

I’ve been there, it seemed there was way more money going out than was coming in. I was beginning to let discouragement and worry creep into my mind.  As I sat down, on the verge of tears, I began to pray and felt led to open my Bible to John. 

How Does 2 Times 5 More Than 5,000?

In John 6, we hear of a similar story, the crowds are following Jesus to observe the miraculous signs that he performs, yet the crowd of over 5,000 needs to be fed. All the disciples can find to feed the masses is 5 barley loaves and 2 fish. With more than 5,000 mouths to feed and only five loaves of bread and two fish, it doesn’t seem logical.

The math doesn’t seem to be working, but we are looking at the problem through our human eyes. Jesus sees the solution to the problem. God’s math is beyond our understanding, but His math always works out for the good of those who believe (Romans 8:28). When we seem to lose faith and we see more negatives than positives, He provides. When we see more bills than money to pay them, He provides. Jesus wasn’t going to let these people go hungry. He provided for their immediate need. 

Adding Up With Jesus

There are three documented miracles in the New Testament where Jesus provides food and drink. Jesus’ first miracle was turning water into wine (John 2:1-11). He later had Simon cast his nets after an unsuccessful night of fishing, and the nets were filled beyond measure (Luke 5:1-11). He had already performed two miracles involving food and drinks before feeding the 5,000.  It isn’t mentioned in scripture whether the people knew that there was little food, but without fear or discouragement, they were fed by Jesus. 

Perhaps the 5 meager loaves of bread and 2 fish didn’t seem significant at that moment, but this miracle is documented in all four gospels. The stated crowd size of 5,000 would have only included men, but the actual crowd size was likely much larger when accounting for women and children. As if this miracle wasn’t big enough already, it might be even bigger than we realize. 

Jesus is our shepherd. He provides for our needs (Psalm 23:1). He takes the little that we have to offer, and He multiplies it, with leftovers to gather.

Jesus doesn’t leave us hungry. In John 6:3, He says He is the bread of life. The nourishment that He provides may not always be exactly what we expect, but He provides for our needs. A lack of resources is multiplied, helping you get through the month and providing for your needs. When the impossible seems outlandish, remember that Jesus took 5 loaves of bread and two fish, blessed them, and provided for a crowd of over 5,000 with 12 baskets of leftovers. 

Jesus is Jehovah Jireh

Jehovah Jireh, the Lord provides, is first mentioned in Genesis 22:14. He provided a ram for Abraham to sacrifice in place of his son. God knows our needs, He proves daily for them. Jesus provided the crowd not with only physical nourishment but also spiritual nourishment. He provides healing and resources to His children today too. 

I think it would have been amazing to witness the miracle that day, but would I have realized in the moment how special that would have been?

After reading this passage, I found a sense of encouragement and peace. I trusted that God would help me, I didn’t know how or when, but I believed God would provide for my needs. 

In the mailbox on the following Saturday, there it was a rebate check I didn’t remember, with enough to cover the bills. Jehovah Jireh provides for us. 

Related Post: Boasting in My Weakness

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

Jehovah Jireh, thank you for blessing us with our needs. We know that you are in control of our situations and circumstances. May we rest in your peace knowing that you are in control. Thank you, Father. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Reflections on Adding Up

1. What area of your life do you feel depleted and need provisions?
2. Why do you think this miracle is found in all four gospels?
3. Write a prayer to God asking for those provisions.