A WIDOWS OFFERING

I was reading in Mark 12:41 where Jesus was sitting and watching people give their offerings at the temple. Many people were dropping off their   offerings but it wasn’t until a widow came and put in two copper coins that he called his disciples over to him. He tells them that her offering was the most valuable because she gave all that she had. He used it as an opportunity to teach his followers about the value of sacrifice. That seemingly insignificant moment left enough of an impression on Mark that he wrote it down. 

I have had times of plenty and times of great need in my life and it has always been in the times of need that God has asked me to give the most. I could never give very much compared to many others, but what I did give was everything to me - just like the widow. God continually tests my trust and faith in Him and every time I am obedient, He provides. It was hard for me for many years to live by faith instead of fear. It was easy to look at the amount in my bank account and decide that I didn’t have the means to sow into the Kingdom. It wasn’t until I stopped measuring God’s provision by my natural means that I was able to step into a place of financial peace.

As a missionary, I have been told by many people that they just don’t have anything to give but I would like to challenge you to remember the widow. No matter your financial situation, are you giving out of your extra like the wealthy Jesus spoke about or are you giving the more worthy gift that is given out of sacrifice? Whether I’m in a season of plenty or of want, I want my offerings to be found worthy before the Lord!

This Christmas season marks the beginning of our annual remembrance of Jesus being born of flesh and then sacrificing his life so that we may have hope. Let us not forget those throughout history, and those serving around the world today, who have spent their lives spreading that message of hope. May that hope bring you joy this Christmas season.

- Sheila Conley