Blessings

Monday and Tuesday of this week were very interesting and I have begun to understand a bit more about the way the Lord provides for us.


Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”

Mark 12:41-44

The story of the widow is an amazing one, albeit very short. But I think that there is so much we can learn from it. The main part of the story is obvious, but we very often forget it. When we give, how often do we only give what we don't want? Like giving away the tins of food that have been in the kitchen for 3 years and we realise we are never going to use. Or how often do we give away what we don't need, like the leftovers from a party or some spare money after a particularly good month? These are both good things to do, but how about giving away what we need to those who need it? Like giving away our lunch to a homeless person without a backup plan. Or giving our money when we know it will make things really uncomfortable. Having re-read this scripture recently, I've come to the conclusion that there's a lot of the story we aren't told. There would have been a decision made by this widow to give everything for God and the church. But God will also have provided for her once she left the place where Jesus was.


So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:31-33

The widow's first thought was for God's kingdom, not for her own needs. As she sought God first he promised to provide for her needs. So when God asks us to give everything, we must obey Him, because he can provide for us in ways we couldn't even dream of. I have seen and experienced God's provision this week, both for me and others, and it's definitely the perfect plan.

The challenge for all of us is to give even when it hurts. Not only when it's easy and doesn't really cost us anything, but when God asks us to. Everything we have comes from Him anyway so we shouldn't worry that he can't provide for us again.

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
"Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?"
"Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?"
For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.

Romans 11:33-36