The story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 with five loaves and two fish is one of the most remarkable miracles recorded in Scripture. It’s a moment that defies human logic and showcases the supernatural power of God. But this miracle is more than just an extraordinary event; it’s an invitation for us to live a life where the supernatural becomes our reality. Jesus didn’t just perform miracles to amaze people—He demonstrated what happens when we trust God completely and allow His power to work through us. Today’s devotional explores what it means to “live the supernatural” and how Luke 9:16-17 challenges us to embrace a life of faith, surrender, and divine partnership.
Luke 9:16-17 King James Version
16 Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.
17 And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.
The Miracle That Defies Explanation
In Luke 9:16-17, Jesus takes five loaves and two fish, blesses them, breaks them, and distributes them through His disciples to feed thousands. The text tells us that everyone ate and was satisfied, with twelve baskets of leftovers collected afterwards. This miracle is so significant that it is recorded in all four Gospels—a testament to its impact on the early church.
What makes this story so powerful is its simplicity. Jesus didn’t conjure food out of thin air; He took what was available—a small offering from a young boy—and multiplied it. This act reveals several truths about living supernaturally:
- God Works Through What We Have
The disciples initially saw their resources as insufficient, but Jesus showed them that even the smallest offering becomes extraordinary when placed in God’s hands. This reminds us that we don’t need to have everything figured out or possess great resources to experience God’s power. We simply need to offer what we have with faith. - The Supernatural Begins with Surrender
Before multiplying the food, Jesus looked up to heaven and blessed it. This act of surrender—acknowledging God as the source—was key to unlocking the miracle. Living supernaturally requires us to surrender our plans, resources, and limitations to God. - God’s Provision Is Abundant
Not only did everyone eat until they were full, but there were leftovers—twelve baskets overflowing with abundance. This demonstrates that God’s provision is not just enough; it exceeds our expectations.
What Does It Mean to Live the Supernatural?
Living the supernatural doesn’t mean performing miracles every day or witnessing dramatic signs and wonders at every turn. Instead, it’s about walking in faith, trusting God’s promises, and allowing His Spirit to guide our lives in ways that transcend human understanding.
Here are some practical ways to live supernaturally:
1. Trust God Beyond Logic
Faith often requires stepping into situations where logic fails. The disciples couldn’t comprehend how five loaves could feed thousands, yet they obeyed Jesus’ instructions. Similarly, living supernaturally means trusting God even when circumstances seem impossible.
2. Partner with God
Jesus involved His disciples in distributing the food—a reminder that we are called to partner with Him in His work. Living supernaturally means recognizing that God works through us as vessels of His power and grace.
3. Pray Boldly
Prayer is a gateway to experiencing the supernatural. When you pray, ask God for things beyond your natural ability—healing, provision, wisdom—and trust Him to act according to His will.
4. Walk in Obedience
Obedience unlocks supernatural blessings. The disciples followed Jesus’ instructions despite their doubts, and they witnessed a miracle as a result. Living supernaturally means saying “yes” to God even when we don’t fully understand His plans.
5. Expect Miracles Daily
The supernatural isn’t confined to dramatic events; it happens in everyday moments when we trust God’s presence and provision. Approach each day with the expectancy that God will move in your life—whether through answered prayers or unexpected blessings.
Supernatural Living Requires Faith
Faith is central to living a supernatural life because it enables us to see beyond what is visible and trust in what is eternal (Hebrews 11:1). Jesus Himself said in John 14:12-14: “Anyone who believes in Me will do the works I have done, and even greater works.” This promise challenges us to believe not only in Jesus’ power but also in His desire for us to participate in His miraculous work.
Faith also requires perseverance. Sometimes, we pray for miracles but don’t see immediate results. In these moments, we are called to trust God’s timing and continue believing that He is working behind the scenes for our good (Romans 8:28).
A Call to Action: Step Into the Supernatural
Living supernaturally isn’t passive—it requires action and intentionality. Here are some steps you can take today:
- Offer What You Have
Like the boy who offered his lunch, give whatever you have—your time, talents, or resources—to God and trust Him to multiply it for His glory. - Pray for Others
Look for opportunities to pray for those around you who need healing, provision, or encouragement. Ask God how He wants you to be part of their miracle. - Share Your Testimony
When you experience God’s supernatural work in your life, share it with others as a way of encouraging their faith. - Take Risks for God
Step out of your comfort zone and trust God in areas where you feel inadequate or uncertain. Whether it’s sharing your faith or serving someone in need, these acts of obedience open doors for supernatural encounters.
Read More About This Devotional
Words of Wisdom: Sufficient: Resting in the Enoughness of God
Quote of the Day: “The miracle happens when you place what you have in Jesus’ hands”
Final Reflection
Luke 9:16-17 reminds us that living supernaturally isn’t about having extraordinary resources—it’s about trusting an extraordinary God. As you meditate on this passage today, ask yourself: What am I holding back from offering to Jesus? Where am I limiting Him by relying on my own understanding?
Let this devotional inspire you to take whatever you have—your gifts, your struggles—and place them confidently into Jesus’ hands. Trust Him not only for provision but also for transformation as He works through your faith and surrender.
Psalms 84 King James Version
1 How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts!
2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.
3 Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God.
4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.
5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.
6 Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools.
7 They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.
8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah.
9 Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed.
10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
12 O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.
