Only Everything

“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.’ ” (Mark 12:43-44)

After exhausting and frustrating his challengers with His teaching, Jesus sat down in the temple area in what was known as the court of the women. That’s where the 13 trumpet-shaped collection devices were found along one wall. He watched the people toss in their Passover offerings and gifts.

Jesus noticed that some wealthy folks had thrown in significant coinage. But the one that stood out to Him was the widow who gave everything she had -- two “lepta.” It amounted to 1/64 of a day’s pay. She had nothing left.

Jesus’ praise for her tells us something. God wants everything we’ve got because He wants us to trust Him completely. Yesterday, we saw He wants us to love Him with all of ourselves. Today, that He wants us to hold nothing back, to trust Him to take care of us even when we’re down to pocket lint.

Think: Do you have a pocket in your life where you keep the things you’re not yet willing to give up to God? What do you keep in there?

Pray: Thank God for the example of this lady who was financially poor but rich in trusting God. Ask Him to help you to be rich like that.

Do: Make a plan to give something to God this week that will force you to trust Him more.