The Plus Factor

Guest post by author C.A. Simonson

Luke 9:13 – “YOU give them something…”  [ When 5+2 = 5000 ]

Five thousand men, plus women and children, were gathered to hear Jesus. Jesus told his disciples, “YOU give them something to eat.” They said, “But we only have five loaves of bread and two fish.” He asked this only to test them…for He already had in mind what He was going to do.” (John 6:6) 

They had an idea – but not really a clue. The ‘buts’ abound. Excuses. Human reasoning. “BUT we only…”  It didn’t deter Jesus. One boy had given all he had – only five little loaves and two fish. Jesus was the PLUS factor. Jesus already had a better plan.

It’s wise to consult the Lord first before getting carried away with our own ideas. We may have an inkling – but He has the greater plan. It’s not up to us to supply or do it all – that’s His job. We just need to be available. Whenever we say, act, or give in Jesus’ name, we can trust Him to add the plus factor. He multiplies and blesses. He takes our portion and adds abundantly again and again. His plan works every time…and there’s always enough.

C.A. (Candy) Simonson is a freelance writer and novelist. She began writing nonfiction articles in the 1980s with almost 800 articles published in multiple national or online magazines. Her award-winning stories are in seven anthologies, including Chicken Soup for the Soul. Her debut young adult novel, Love’s Journey Home, published in 2013 was followed by seven Christian YA novels and five nonfiction books. As a former IT computer trainer/teacher, she enjoys assisting other authors with book formatting, self-publishing, cover design, and sharing her technical and writing knowledge with writers’ groups. She serves the Springfield Writers’ Guild Board as the 2024 and 2025 President and SWG webmaster. See more at CASIMONSON.COM