3 Day Devotional: What God Can Do Through a Child - Day 2

Scripture
"5 When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” 6 He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. 7 Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.” 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, 9 “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?”— John 6:5–9

Reflection
Children learn early that preparation matters. You do your homework before class. You practice before the game. You pack what you need before a trip. Being prepared does not guarantee success, but it often positions you for what comes next.

The boy in John 6 came prepared for a long day with Jesus. Someone had packed a lunch, and he brought it with him because he expected to spend the day near the Lord. He did not know that thousands would be fed. He did not know that his lunch would become part of a miracle. He simply came prepared.

Sometimes faithfulness looks less like knowing what God will do and more like being ready when He does it.

His lunch was not fancy. Five barley loaves and two fish were the meal of ordinary people. Yet his preparation made a difference.

Preparation did not create the miracle. Jesus did.

Children, God can use your gifts, your kindness, your faith, and your willingness to be ready. Adults, help children discover and develop the gifts God has given them. Never underestimate what God may do through a prepared child.

Our preparation does not save us. Salvation rests entirely on the finished work of Christ. But God often uses hearts that are ready, attentive, and near to Jesus.

Reflection Questions
1. What habits help me stay spiritually prepared to follow Jesus?
2. How can I better prepare myself to spend time with God each day?
3. In what ways can I encourage children to use the gifts God has given them?

Prayer
Father, help us live with hearts that are ready for Your work. Form us through prayer, Scripture, and worship. Keep us near Jesus and attentive to Your Spirit. Use our ordinary acts of faithfulness for Your glory. Amen.