“Then he sat down opposite the offering box, and watched the crowd putting coins into it. Many rich people were throwing in large amounts. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, worth less than a penny. He called his disciples and said to them, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the offering box than all the others. For they all gave out of their wealth. But she, out of her poverty, put in what she had to live on, everything she had.”

-Mark 12:41-44

I love this passage because it depicts the raw, desperation of a widow who is seeking God with literally everything she has in the midst of despair, and a God who is intently watching to see how much is sown during times of tribulation.

If you are here today and in need of restoration, know that it will require you to gather everything you have and lay it at the throne of God. Everything? Yes, everything. Every area of your life where you feel inadequate, every negative thought that the devil shoves in your face, every moment in your past that is stained with guilt, shame or hurt. Everything.

Why? So God can clearly see the level of your faith – do you really trust God to do the impossible – and what you are willing to give up for a better life with Him (Hebrews 11:6). I know you may be looking around and thinking, “I’m too broken and have nothing to give to God for Him to use.” But that is far from the truth. Like the widow in verse 43, you have more to offer than anyone else.

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. -Mark 12:43

The fact that God has chosen you for this disturbance in life is an indicator that He has given you something extraordinary to plant. It may be something you need to give up permanently for the good He has for you or it could be something God is asking you to do solely for His glory.

Whatever it may be, He is watching and the first verse tells us that God sat opposite, out of sight, from where the offerings where being placed and simply watched. Sometimes you may feel God is not present but do not be dismayed, God is very much present and observing every detail of your healing process including that enemy who is viciously after your peace, joy and purpose (Jeremiah 15:11, AMPC). He is intently watching to see where our sacrifices are coming from. Is it coming from empty obligations like the rich people in this passage? Or is coming from a deep desire and hunger in our hearts to please God in all times?

They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything–all she had to live on.” -Mark 12:44

The passage says, “out of her poverty” she gave. Although she was poor in the physical she was rich in her faith. There are days when I am like this poor widow. Gripping my last ounce strength or my last dollar, and releasing it to God in hopes that it will somehow, someday be increased. That hope is what God is peering over and waiting to see during your healing journey. He is pleased when we give from a faithful heart knowing one day everything taken from us will be returned. That one day vindication and restoration will be ours.

Loves, it is in these moments of spiritual and emotional poverty that we see God’s grace and God sees our will to survive and win. Give everything you have to God and He will return good unto you.

“We justify our actions by appearances; GOD examines our motives.” -Proverbs 21:2

In His Grip,

Alvie