Understanding What You Have

Pastor Jeremy Eastman discusses the importance of recognizing and giving what we have to God, using biblical examples to illustrate how faith and obedience can lead to miraculous outcomes and abundance in our lives.

In a recent sermon at Ignite Church WV, Pastor Jeremy Eastman emphasized the significance of understanding what we have and how to utilize it in our lives. He explored the biblical story of Jesus feeding the 5,000, illustrating how faith, obedience, and giving can lead to miraculous outcomes.

The Biblical Foundation

Pastor Eastman began by referencing Matthew 14:13-21, where Jesus, upon seeing a large crowd, had compassion on them and performed a miracle by feeding them with just five loaves of bread and two fish. This story serves as a powerful reminder of God's ability to multiply what we offer Him.

The Miracle of Multiplication

In the scripture, when the disciples expressed their concern about the crowd's hunger, Jesus instructed them to feed the people. The disciples were hesitant, noting their limited resources. However, Jesus took what they had, blessed it, and distributed it, resulting in an abundance of food left over after everyone was satisfied. This illustrates that God is a God of multiplication, not just addition. He can take our little and make it much.

Trusting God as Our Provider

Pastor Eastman highlighted the importance of recognizing God as our provider, referencing the story of the Israelites receiving manna in the wilderness. He emphasized that God provides for us, even when we feel we have nothing to offer. The key is to trust Him with what we have, no matter how insignificant it may seem.

Personal Testimony

The pastor shared his own experience of launching Ignite Church in 2019 with minimal resources, stating that everything they owned fit into a red trailer. Despite the challenges, they trusted God, and in time, they were blessed with a building and land to call home. This testimony reinforces the message that when we give God what we have, He can provide abundantly in return.

The Call to Action

Pastor Eastman urged the congregation to take action. He stated that if we want to see change in our community, we must be willing to step out in faith and give what we have. He reminded them that Jesus did not say He would do it alone; rather, He called on His disciples to take part in the miracle.

Overcoming Excuses

The pastor addressed common excuses that prevent people from stepping out in faith. He encouraged the congregation to bring their limited resources to God, assuring them that He can work with what they offer. He emphasized that God is more than enough and that we should not let our perceived inadequacies hold us back from serving Him.

The Importance of Hunger

Pastor Eastman pointed out that the crowds followed Jesus out of hunger. He challenged the congregation to reflect on their own hunger for God. Are we willing to pursue Him with the same fervor? He noted that true hunger for God often requires us to step out of our comfort zones.

The Role of Community

The pastor also highlighted the importance of community in faith. He encouraged the congregation to support one another and to be active participants in the work God is doing. He reminded them that the church is not just a building but a community of believers called to make a difference.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Pastor Jeremy Eastman’s message was clear: we must recognize what we have, trust God as our provider, and be willing to give it to Him. By doing so, we open ourselves up to His miraculous power and the abundance He can provide. The call to action is not just about what we can do individually but about how we can collectively impact our community for the glory of God.

As we move forward, let us remember that everything we have is a gift from God, and when we give it back to Him, He can multiply it beyond our imagination.