“While Jesus was in the temple, he watched rich people drop their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow arrived and dropped in two small coins.
“‘I tell you the truth,’ Jesus said. ‘This poor widow has given more than these people. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.’”
Luke 21:1-4
Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:
- This story told by the Gospel Writer called Luke, as well as by the Gospel Writer called Mark (12:41-44), is often titled “The Widow’s Offering.” Sometimes it’s called “The Widow’s Mite,” with mite referring to the widow’s minimal funds.
- Several characters appear in this story: Jesus; wealthy people; the widow; the unnamed disciples to whom Jesus speaks; and fear, the invisible lurker which can threaten our lives. The story suggests that the wealthy give, but hold back out of fear or belief in limitation. Yet, the widow gives and goes all in.
- No matter how others judge her, the widow has great faith in God as her ever-abiding source and supply. Despite having less than others (sometimes her status is called “poverty”), the widow is guided by the mighty faith of sufficiency (enough), not by fear of insufficiency (not enough).
- As Jesus says, the power of the widow’s faith is more important than the quantity of money she gives. His wisdom teaches us that an abundance mindset doesn’t focus on how much we have, but on how faithful we are. For example, if we say that we’re on a fixed income, that’s our affirmation and we continually want more. But if we say, “I freely give and I freely receive,” our faith is in unlimited supply.
- Faith is believing within ourselves before we see results demonstrated around us. And because we already have all the faith we need within us, our spiritual practice requires that we activate that faith, directing it toward what we truly desire.
- In Healing Letters, a collection of her writings, New Thought Pioneer and Metaphysician Myrtle Fillmore says: “The free flow of God’s life through us becomes hindered in its expression if our thoughts and acts imply a belief in a limited supply of years, in a hoarding of strength or substance or supply. We must prove here and now, for ourselves, our faith in God as omnipotent good and eternal life” (p. 24). This is the faith of the widow and a hallmark of spiritual maturity.
Contemplation Questions:
As you reflect on your life and circumstances, ask yourself:
- What do I perceive as being insufficient (lacking or limited) in my life?
- No matter how small or insignificant it may seem, list, word map, or illustrate whatever applies.
- Next, review the insufficiency.
- Then, list, word map, or illustrate where you’ve directed your faith regarding these.For example, limiting your income to government assistant or constantly discussing what you don’t have.
- What do I perceive as being sufficient (abundant and unlimited) in my life?
- No matter how small or insignificant it may seem, list, word map, or illustrate whatever applies.
- Next, review the sufficiency.
- Then, list, word map, or illustrate where you’ve directed your faith regarding these.For example, saving for retirement or joyfully giving to your favorite charity.
- When I reflect on my faith overall, where am I leaving God out?
- Without analysis or judgment, list, word map, or illustrate where you’ve placed your faith, if not in God and your own God guidance.
- When I reflect on my faith overall, how much has been overshadowed by fear?
- Without analysis or judgment, list, word map, or illustrate what the fears are.
- Next, breathing deeply, taking as long as you need, consider each fear.
- Then, create a new list, word map, or illustration which reframes the fear into faith.
- When I contemplate being fully faithful, as the widow is, what are at least three (3) ways I can allow the free flow of God’s life to supply all I need?
- List, word map, or illustrate as much as you can imagine.
- Then, note all you’ll do to remain faithful.
It’s an act of faith, strength, and courage to overcome fear and take risks. So, as you work with this devotional, don’t let fear or belief in lack rob you of joy and divine life energy.
Focus your faith fully on what you want, not on what you don’t. Instead of believing that your supply is limited, direct your faith toward God’s grace and goodness. Whenever you feel doubtful, affirm: “My faith is mightier than any fear because God is my Source and Sustenance in every way.” Then, step forward in faith and rejoice in all the abundance you discover.
© 2022 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.
Photo by Carol Provins from Shutterstock.
Recent Comments