Jesus 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. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all she had to live on." Matthew 12:41-44
When we look at this passage we tend to look at it as a lesson in giving. But maybe it's also a lesson in trust. In Biblical times widows and orphans were the ones who usually needed the most help. They were generally uncared for. The woman in this passage, being a widow, likely didn't know where her next meal was coming from or how long she'd be able to stay under her roof. She was poor and by human standards had every right to hold onto what little money she had. But she didn't. She gave Him all she had (including her complete trust). How many of us could do the same even when we have so much more?
Encouragement for the week: Developing a good sense of trust sometimes requires practice - maybe even baby steps. Find something you have a hard time trusting God with and try to let go. Even if you can only manage a piece of it for now. The more pieces you let go, the more trust you'll have.
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