“Bring Them to Me”

Michelle D. Craig taught, “Jesus’s miracles often begin with a recognition of want, need, failure, or inadequacy” (“Divine Discontent,” General Conference, October 2018).

As Jesus ministered to a large group of people who had followed Him to a remote location, his disciples began to be worried. “This is a desert place,” they said, “and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.” The Savior responded, “They need not depart; give ye them to eat” (Matthew 14:15-16).

If He had said, “I will give them to eat,” the disciples could have exercised faith by merely watching Him perform the miracle, as He did for the Nephites and Lamanites in the land of Bountiful. (See 3 Nephi 20:6-7.) But He didn’t do that on this occasion. He told his disciples to provide the food, placing them in an uncomfortable situation. Only after they took an inventory of what they had to offer—a measly five loaves and two fishes—did the Savior clarify that this would be enough. “Bring them to me,” He said (Matthew 14:17-18).

We may not have much to offer, but it is enough. Jesus may invite us to do hard things, far beyond our abilities and resources. Our part is to offer what we have, willingly. His is to magnify that offering to accomplish His work.

To a discouraged Moroni, the Savior said, “If men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them” (Ether 12:27).

Sister Craig added:

Have you ever felt your talents and gifts were too small for the task ahead? I have. But you and I can give what we have to Christ, and He will multiply our efforts. What you have to offer is more than enough—even with your human frailties and weaknesses—if you rely on the grace of God.

“Divine Discontent,” General Conference, October 2018

Today, I will accept invitations from the Lord. I will offer Him what I have, just as the apostles offered the loaves and the fishes. I will trust that He can turn my weak contributions into strong results.