On the way into Jerusalem on Monday Jesus cursed a fig tree that wasn’t producing any figs. (Mark 11:12-14) As Jesus and His disciples passed the tree on Tuesday it had withered away to its roots. When the disciples exclaimed at the event Jesus told the disciples they too could do mighty things through prayer if they had faith and did not doubt. (Mark 11:20-24)
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer,
believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24
Later in the day as Jesus was teaching in the temple He watched as rich people put large sums into the offering box, making a show of how much they gave. Then a poor widow came and put in two small coins worth about a penny. No one paid attention to her, except for Jesus. He knew she gave all she had and had more faith than all those who came before. (Mark 12: 41-44)
This week falls in the midst of uncertain times. Many of us have been out of work or staying at home for 2 or 3 weeks already and the end is likely weeks away. What effect is all of this having on your faith? Is income insecurity and lack of routine wearing on you? Has losing the consistency of meeting together to worship and study Scripture made it more difficult to stay in God’s Word and keep your faith strong? These are things that I struggle with.
When I consider that widow who gave everything she had I realize she probably didn’t know when she would have income again. But still she gave every last coin quietly and faithfully. No one knew those were her last coins but Jesus and He used her faith as another example to the disciples.
Wherever each of us is at today, I pray that we will have faith to believe whatever mountains we face will be thrown into the sea, and that like the widow we will believe and not doubt that God will sustain us when we give all we have to Him.
Blessings and peace to you today!
Paula
Paula Davis 