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Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
Luke 21: 1-4 ESV

Never have I needed God’s Word as much as I have needed it on this widowhood journey. Time and time again I have searched the scriptures to help me draw closer to God and to learn everything I can on how to take the next step forward. I heard a comment somewhere the other day that made me stop and think…it was, “If you really want to learn what something means, you need to ask yourself what is it ‘not’ saying?”

So what does this verse NOT tell us?

1. It doesn’t tell us how old this widow is.

You don’t have to be a certain age in order to be an example for others. While scripture teaches us that the older women are to train the younger women (Titus 2:3-5) it doesn’t say at what age that begins. Or ends for that matter. Don’t think that your age disqualifies you from being an example to others. God can use us at any age.

2. It doesn’t tell us how long she has been a widow.

It may have been when she was fresh in the throes of grief or it may have been many, many years into her journey. Often times during the initial stages all eyes are on the new widow. God’s presence can be quite evident as people realize the new widow is in shock and not capable of doing much in her own strength. But what about some of those of us who have been a widow much longer? God can use us at any time along the way.

3. It doesn’t tell us if she was strong and healthy or in a good place mentally.

We can fall into the trap of thinking we are not strong enough to be of any use. It can happen when we are struggling physically, mentally or emotionally. But God is not limited by our weakness. God can use us despite our weakness and in many ways because of our weaknesses.

4. It doesn’t tell us how many times she had done this.

Was this the first time or something she had done many times? There may be times we think, “If I just conquer this, then God can use me.” There is no entry fee for God to use us. We don’t have to meet a minimum standard requirement. And even if we do everything perfectly, it doesn’t necessarily mean God is going to use it. God determines what He uses and when.

5. It doesn’t tell us her attitude.

Did she give cheerfully out of love or was she just throwing in what she had left? Truth is, sometimes our hearts are just not in the right place, no matter how hard we try. God can use us even when we don’t have the “right” attitude.

6. It doesn’t tell us how spiritually mature she was.

Did she have a great quiet time that day? Had she been studying God’s truth for years to get to that level of giving? Was she completely yielded to the Holy Spirit in that moment? None of those things will qualify or disqualify you. Our spiritual maturity does not dictate when we can be used by God. Wherever you are spiritually, God can use you.

7. It doesn’t tell us the impact of her actions.

Did the disciples learn from her example? Did she change the world with a single act? She might have. Maybe the disciples were at a crossroads in their faith and her act helped them choose to be “all in”. It’s possible not one single person changed their behavior, but God was moved by her actions. Perhaps the impact was He felt loved by her. We will never know, just like we will never know the impact of many of our actions. But what we do know…

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6 ESV

Dear heavenly Father, we thank You so much for Your Sovereignty! We are so grateful that we have a purpose. You are our Creator and our Lord. We thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Help us remember Your promise of completing the good work You began in us. Help us to be joyful by remembering that because of You – we will not fail! Amen.