When it comes to yummy treats, children often don’t want to share.

When my father was a little boy, he and his brother would almost come to blows when it was time for dessert. There would be loud protests if one brother thought he was getting a smaller slice of pie.

So my grandparents came up with a rule: one brother would cut the pieces, and the other would get to choose his portion first.

The idea behind this arrangement was that if the pieces had been cut unequally by the first brother, the other would take advantage of this and choose the larger slice. So the boy cutting the pieces would want to make sure that they were as close in size as possible.

My dad or his brother would actually use a protractor to cut the pie to ensure that each slice was exactly the same angle. Each was determined not to let his brother get a larger piece!

This is a humorous story, but the attitude it portrays can linger in our thoughts as we become adults.

It can even affect how we view God’s beneficence.

We’re somehow afraid that when God divvies things up, there won’t be enough for us. We think that if God gives someone else certain blessings or gifts, it will mean less is available for us.

But God’s economy doesn’t work this way—it’s not a zero sum game.

Consider the miracles of provision in the Bible, such as the feeding of the five thousand by Jesus.

What started as a meagre lunch of five loaves and two fish became a feast for many thousands. Not only was there enough food for everyone, there was plenty left over: twelve basketfuls of bread fragments were collected after everyone had eaten and was satisfied.

What does this tell us?

That God is a generous God. He will never leave us shortchanged. His supply of grace, forgiveness, and love never runs out. There will always be more than enough of His mercy.

“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.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)

All this means that we don’t need to worry or compare ourselves to others. Through Christ, God will provide us with everything we truly need.

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

With God, there’s always more than enough of Him to go around.

So when you come to His table, come hungry!

“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”

lamentations 3:24

© 2023 Lori J. Cartmell. All rights reserved.