Learning to Let Go

The Widow's Offering
Mark 12:41-44
41Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.

43Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."

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What would it take for me to drain my savings account into the offering plate?

Oh, why do I have to ask that way? Why can't I just ask myself if I could give away my last two cents? Two cents would be easy--it's not going to help me out anyway. But when I look at the way the widow gave--and notice that Jesus said she gave all she had to live on--I realize she gave away her savings account.

Putting the widow's giving in terms of savings account makes me feel the Holy Spirit's gentle hand on my shoulder. It's a challenge; the preacher calls it conviction. I have to shift in my chair. I wonder-- what sort of sterling charcter did this woman possess that could pour out an offering like this? And then I see; I know. This widow demonstrated faith, trust, generosity, gratitude and many deeper character qualities she had learned in grief.

She's an example to me of a woman who holds back nothing from the Lord. She could give the last of her savings because she had already given God her husband, her love, her life. When we let go of the security, sweetness and safe zone of marriage we find the freedom to be grateful and trust God like this widow. 

♥ ferree