The object of this study is to take some time out of our busy, often chaotic days and spend some time with women who have gone before us. Not just any women, but 26 women of the Bible. We’ll “Walk Among Them” and see how their stories relate to our lives. It’s my hope that we will discover God’s presence and grace in our own lives as the lives and lessons of these women unfold before us this year.

Walking Among Them, The Widow with 2 Coins

It’s a short but profound walk this week. Our wanderings with the Widow with 2 Coins can be found in Mark 12:41-44 and Luke 21:1-4.

Mark’s account is brief;

“Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came in and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”

She is poor, she is alone and yet she completely trusts in God. In a word, WOW.

The coins are worth less than a penny. They are Greek lepta and they are copper coins. How incredibly ironic that the coins the widow places in the box are next to worthless and yet because of her great sacrifice, are worth more than massive amounts of gold to the Lord.

We know the commands. They are evident all throughout the Bible. We are told that we cannot serve 2 masters and can not serve both God and money. (Luke 16:13) We are reminded in Hebrews 13:5 that we should not love money and to be satisfied with what we have. The command are clear and yet it’s the widow with two coins who just seems to “get it.” All those around her, those who had studied and were learned took a lesson from a poor widow, and we too walk away with the same simple, profound lesson.

With each woman that we study, I’ll have some thoughts and ideas for reflection, meditation and journaling that will be called “Reflections from the Walk.” It’s in Walking Among Them that we can learn lessons that we can take with us on our daily walks.

Reflections from the walk:

As the holidays approach there may be no better time than the present to reflect on the message that is so eloquently expressed in the story of the Widow with Two Coins.

The widow was content. In a world where many of us struggle with issues of contentment, in particular, material contentment, it does our hearts good to read and re read the story of how at peace this woman was to part with her best for God.

Is it difficult for you to part with your best? Jesus pointed out the Widow to the disciples that day. She was an example that He wanted them to witness.  He wanted them to notice and 2,000 years later we are still noticing her act of generosity.

This may be a difficult session for you. Examine your habits with money. Examine the habits of your family. Look honestly at your heart for giving. Are you a spender, saver, hoarder. Pray that God will reveal areas where there is work to be done. This will likely not be easy, topics involving money rarely are, but if we are going to come to a place where we can have the “Widow’s heart” then it will begin with our relationship with money and contentment. If this is an area of struggle for you, then this may be an opportunity for you to seek quality Christian counseling on money. God has great plans for each of our lives, but money and materialism often interfere with those plans.There are many resources available. Consult your pastor or trusted Christian friend for references.

Trust is the cornerstone of the Widow’s story. Where in your life do you see a lack of trust? Do you hoard food in your pantry for fear that you will not have enough? Do you hoard clothing in your closet (perhaps 6 different sizes) just because? Do you give of what is left over out of fear? Take one small step this week. After honestly and openly praying about the areas in your life where something is getting in the way of your true relationship with God, take a step to surrender and trust.

personal note**

Personally, I have to work on the issues in regards to food in my pantry. I was convicted that my full pantry was a testimony of fear. I needed to let go of a full freezer and over stocked shelves and let God provide weekly. It has freed me from keeping it all for myself and helped me focus instead on the needs of those around me.

As the holidays approach many will find worry increase and joy plummet. Sincerely pray that this year it WILL be different. Look at ways that you can give from your heart and not out of habit. Giving from the heart will require more time and effort but moving out of worry into true joyful obedience will make the holiday season a truly a time of celebration.

A PDF of this study can be downloaded HERE.

Next month we’ll wrap up our year long study of Walking Among Them.

Lori is a 6th year homeschool mom to 3. Currently she homeschools a 9th grader, a 7th grader and a 5th grader. Lori hopes to impart peace and inspiration amidst the daily chaos. It’s in the daily details of life that she is continually inspired! Be sure to visit her blog at All You Have to Give and at Internet Cafe Devotions.