How can we apply the widow's example in our financial stewardship? The Widow’s Two Coins: A Portrait of Radical Trust Mark 12:44 – “For they all contributed out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.” What Makes Her Gift Stand Out • She gave “all she had,” not what she could spare. • Her coins looked insignificant, yet Jesus called it “more than all the others” (v.43). • Her giving flowed from complete reliance on God’s provision. Principles for Our Own Stewardship • Hold Nothing Back – Proverbs 3:9-10 urges, “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled…” – The widow’s firstfruits were her last coins. God counts devotion, not digits. • Give from the Heart, Not the Leftovers – 2 Corinthians 9:7: “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – Surplus giving is safe; sacrificial giving is faith-driven. • Trust God to Sustain You – Philippians 4:19: “My God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” – The widow staked her next meal on that promise. • View Resources as God’s, Not Yours – Psalm 24:1: “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” – When we see ourselves as stewards, surrender becomes sensible. • Invest in Eternal Accounts – Matthew 6:20: “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” – Temporary loss for eternal gain is never a bad trade. Practical Steps to Walk Like the Widow 1. Percentage Giving: Choose a generous percentage that stretches faith, not comfort. 2. First-Check Discipline: Transfer or write the gift before any other bill. 3. Emergency Fund of Faith: While saving wisely, keep a line item called “God’s nudges” for Spirit-led spontaneous giving. 4. Downsizing for Kingdom Impact: Identify one expense you can reduce and redirect the amount to missions, benevolence, or church needs. 5. Testimony Log: Record each instance where God met a need after you gave sacrificially; reread it when fear whispers. Encouragement for the Journey • Malachi 3:10 promises open windows of heaven when we bring the whole tithe. • Luke 6:38 echoes, “Give, and it will be given to you…For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” • Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that God “rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” The widow sought Him with two small coins—and gained Christ’s commendation. May her example nudge our own wallets toward wholehearted trust. |
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