As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” Luke 21:1-4, NIV

Newsflash: teachers are busy…and getting busier. 

If you’ve been in education for any length of time, then you know the demands on our time, and the number of hats we’re asked to wear increases with each passing year. This isn’t a complaint; it’s a fact. 

Honest confession: for years, I have struggled to fit daily independent Bible reading into my busy schedule. With all the responsibilities of work and family life, it usually feels like there’s barely enough time for the basic tasks that keep life running. 

But we serve a God of abundance, not lack. Look at what He did with five loaves and two fishes: He miraculously multiplied them into more than enough for the multitude of thousands (Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-15). 

God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow because He exists outside of time–and therefore, He is not limited by time. While it would be great if He decided to miraculously add four more hours to my day or make a lunch appear for me at work when I forget to pack mine in the morning rush to get out of the house, I don’t expect these things. And the common advice given by pastors to “get up extra early” in the morning for Bible study time is a tough pill for me to swallow: I’ve never been a “morning person” (even as a kid I always struggled to get up on time for school), and add in how late I go to bed because of the necessity of taking care of my own kids and home…I’m lucky to get “enough” sleep as it is! 

But what God can do with five minutes…is what He showed us He could do with the five loaves and the two fishes. 

It feels exceptionally daunting to me to drag myself out of bed an hour earlier to read. But five minutes? I can do that. And while a full hour of Bible time spent with the Lord is incredible if you can swing it…If you can’t (like me), let go of the shame that might be holding you back. Don’t let the devil convince you that your small offering is “not enough” for God to use. 

Bring the small offering you have. Bring you five minutes like the widow brought her two mites to the temple. Test Him and see what our God of abundance and time and all things can do with your five minutes and your willing heart.

What did He do with my five minutes this morning? A chapter of Bible reading and the inspiration to write two devotionals, including this one! What will He do with yours today?

Lord God, You are the King of Heaven, Earth, and all of creation. You are not limited by time, our busy schedules, or our limited thinking. Please help me today to realize that I do have five minutes to give to You. Please protect me from the lies of the enemy that it is “not enough.” I know that You want to hear from me, and I know that You want to speak into my life through Your Word. I know You’re my good, good Father and that You always want to spend time with me–even five minutes. Please, Lord, create and grow this daily habit in me as I desire to grow closer to You each day. Thank You for your mercy and grace. Amen. 

Copyright Rhapsody Jordan-Parisi. 

Rhapsody is a Christian Educators member and high school English teacher from North Carolina. She is passionate about helping overwhelmed teachers reclaim their time and peace of mind through support, encouragement, and intentional strategies. You can connect with her at tightropeteaching.com.