We mortals love to apply our finite knowledge to the world around us. And it usually works pretty well.
But not when it comes to math. Think of the account in Matthew, and then in Mark, when Jesus fed the 5,000. Except we all know that was just the head count of males. If you include women and children, the number was probably more than double that. Those same books tell us of another time when Jesus fed a multitude of 4,000. Again, not counting women and children.
It’s unimaginable. We cannot fathom how He did it, yet the miracle happened. What about today? I honestly don’t know how many times I’ve heard someone describe a flat-out miracle, because they paid their tithing in dire circumstances. Sometimes a check arrives in the exact amount of the rent they owe. Or a health blessing materializes. Or a loved one repents and commits to God. It isn’t always financial, but the windows of heaven do open. The math makes no sense. Yet the blessing is there.
When our daughter was called to serve a mission in Norway, she simultaneously had a marriage proposal. Back and forth she went, not sure what to do. We held off getting her ready with clothing and paperwork, unsure of which she would choose. And then the day came when she said, “I want to go. I want to serve a mission. But is it too late?”
“Honey,” I said. “I will move mountains to get you ready.” Only it wasn’t me; it was the Lord. In an unforgettable block of three hours, He literally stretched time, and we managed to get health records, doctor appointments, a heavy coat, shoes, her entire missionary wardrobe, toiletries—everything she would need. I stared at the piles of supplies when we got home. There was no way we could have collected all of it without God’s help. Once again, the math did not add up.
I see large families who seemingly do the same thing, when several kids need help with homework, rides to school and sports, and a dozen other urgent issues handled. As if time holds still, they manage to do everything. And the rest of us just stare in awe.
Look at the blessings of daily scripture study. Seriously, it makes no sense that busy people can carve out half an hour to immerse themselves in God’s word every day. Yet when they do it, the rest of the day falls into place more easily than without it—whaaat? How can that happen? It’s as if God has a way of stopping the animation, or freezing the moment, or some kind of miraculous math that makes scripture study fit in seamlessly. Not only seamlessly, but in some way that gives you even more time! It’s like 2+2=7. It’s crazy.
And look at the blessings that shower us when we keep our covenants. Even if we stumble and make daily mistakes. Even if we struggle to repent, or to forgive. Even if we know how far we fall below the bar. Just the effort, just the sincerity in our hearts, seems to melt His. And He bathes us in love. We almost can’t breathe as we contemplate the vastness of His blessings, His generosity, His incredible way of giving us little things we love but never prayed for. Our lives, our families, everything is purified by the intent of our heart. We feel physically closer to our Father in Heaven. Our puny effort is rewarded with a universe of blessings and joy. That equation definitely does not balance.
Look how often we’re given the opportunity to bless people in emergency situations—refugees, flood and hurricane victims, people around the world coping with sudden disaster. We scramble about and collect medical supplies, blankets, diapers, on and on. And when it’s all gathered together, aren’t you stunned every time? The size of the donation is almost always three or four times larger than what could realistically be expected. Math miracle after math miracle.
When one of our sons was young, he brought me into his room to show me some equations on his white board, that proved he shouldn’t have to clean his room (yes, I think we’ve raised some comedians here). I had no idea how to solve his equations, and told him he still had to clean his room, but I had to congratulate him on trying to do some Heavenly math. I think we all want numbers to do what we want them to, right?
Someday, maybe in the hereafter, we’ll get an explanation as to how this works. Meanwhile, let’s just be grateful for God’s ability to work countless miracles. Especially ones we can’t explain just yet.
Joni Hilton is a Latter-day Saint author, Seminary teacher, and shares life hacks at https://m.youtube.com/c/jonihilton
Her novel, Golden, has just become an Amazon audiobook.
