My eyes gleamed brighter than the shiny quarter my dad placed in my small, clammy palm. Good behavior and politeness had once again earned me twenty-five cents, which, in the early days of my youth, was enough to purchase quite a few treats from the small, rickety corner store.

Before bolting up the street with my giddy siblings in our inner-city neighborhood to spend my loot, my mental computer went into overdrive, calculating the cost of my favorite gum drops, hard candies and chewy taffies. Penny candy was a thing in the 1980’s before inflation hiked up prices and made a quarter far less valuable at the candy store.

“How much for this?” I’d point to a translucent container full of sugary, cavity-creating temptations. The guidance of the patient store owner behind the counter helped me maximize the meager amount I had been given. Somehow, each time, I would walk away feeling especially content, having received far more than I expected.

You know, summer days were always better with a bellyful of candy and a heart full of gratitude. No matter how old I get, I never want to lose that childlike thankfulness for big and small things alike. Not only does gratefulness lead to a life of peace, but it also makes room for abundance.

In Matthew 14:13-21, we see Jesus being followed by a massive crowd of thousands that had come from surrounding towns. For hours, He dwelt among them, compassionately healing those who were sick. As the hour grew late, the disciples suggested that Jesus send the masses away, back to their villages, so they could buy food to eat.

In verse 16, Jesus replied to His disciples, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” Although there were only two fish and five barley loaves available—not nearly enough to fulfill the command Jesus had given them—the miracle-working Messiah obviously was not concerned about the lack of supply. Furthermore, if He commanded the disciples to feed the multitude, He was going to provide the way, amen?

According to verse 19, Jesus took that little boy’s lunch, looked up to heaven, gave thanks and broke the loaves. Miraculously, as the disciples handed out bread and fish, it never ran out. There was more than enough to feed the throngs of people gathered around. How was that possible? Well, with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26), right?

No matter how many times I read about Jesus feeding the 5,000, I get excited. Did you know this is the only miracle that is recorded in all four Gospels in the Bible? That means it is very significant, and we ought to pay attention. One of the things that sticks out to me is how Jesus broke the bread and gave thanks. Despite not having enough, He expressed gratitude before the supernatural increase manifested.

Friend, you have to learn to thank Him for what you have already—even when it isn’t enough—and watch God multiply it. Model the behavior of Christ and do what 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV says: “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

When God sees your thankfulness, He will increase your harvest and bless you abundantly. So, resist the urge to complain, particularly when you’re facing lack in a specific area. Not enough money to pay bills? Believe God and give thanks anyway. Not enough experience to fulfill the task? Believe God and give thanks anyway. Not enough strength to endure this trial? Believe God and give thanks anyway. Not getting enough help to carry the load? Believe God and give thanks anyway. Believing and thanking God opens the door to blessings. Just remember that, whatever you lack, your sufficiency is in Christ.

Fight against feelings of restlessness, worry, stress, anxiety, fear and dissatisfaction. Don’t dwell on what you don’t have. Instead, put your situation in the hands of Jesus, who lacks nothing, while giving Him thanks, and watch Him multiply what is already in your hands. He will supply every need. He will go over and above your expectations.

Here in Matthew 14:21, the Greek translation emphasizes that the 5,000 individuals were male. Therefore, this number did not include the number of women and children who also ate fish and bread. Bible scholars believe there could have been between 15,000-20,000 total people that were positively impacted by this miracle. That’s remarkable, isn’t it?

There is no limit to what God can do. He has great things in store for you. When you behave like Jesus and give thanks, even when the odds aren’t in your favor, the Lord will show you special favor. By the time the disciples served everyone, there were 12 basketfuls of broken pieces left over. They went from deficit to surplus, which is what is about to happen to somebody reading.

Because you have placed your faith in Christ and praised Him in advance of the release of your breakthrough, there is a harvest with your name on it.

To reinforce this message, I’m stirring 2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV into your cup of inspiration, which says, “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

As you drink down the contents of your cup, our great God, who is more than able, is doing something awesome for you. Rejoice and anticipate an abundant harvest. Expect God to increase you. Anticipate His favor, and know that it pleases Him to pour out His goodness upon you!

Now let’s pray.

God, I sense that You have great things in store for me. In advance of their release, no matter what I see today, I thank You for what’s to come. I know that You reward those who place their confidence in You, so I trust You every day and in every way. I declare by faith that increase is on the way for me! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you desire prayer, please allow me, along with my intercessory prayer team, to stand in faith with you for breakthrough. We would be so honored. We have seen God work over and over again. There is power in agreement. Click here to request prayer now.

As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!