Trusting in God - We Can't Beat God's Giving!" ~ by Ronnie Archer

Today's readings emphasize trust and faith in God for our needs. When Elijah, the prophet, entered the city of Zarephath, he encountered a widow gathering sticks. He called to her, asking for water and then for a bit of bread. The widow told him that she only had enough for herself and her son to eat; and after eating, they would die. Elijah told her not to be afraid and he instructed her to prepare something for him first, then for herself and her son. He prophesied that God would "not allow her jar of flour to go empty, nor her jug of oil to run dry, until the day when the Lord sends rain upon the earth."

The Hebrews reading tells us that Jesus Christ did not come just to take away our sins, but also to bring us salvation. Jesus was totally committed to taking away the sins of many, by the single sacrificing; not by another's, but by HIS OWN precious blood.

In the Gospel of Mark, we hear the story of the second widow. After Jesus finished teaching, He sat down and observed how the crowd contributed towards the treasury. Many rich people put in large amounts. A poor widow came along and put in two small coins, which was her entire livelihood. Jesus told His disciples how the crowd had contributed from their excess. BUT that the widow had "put in more than all of them, because they contributed from their wealth, but she gave all that she had."

The first widow was given a promise, but she also showed faith and trust by following Elijah's instructions. Her kindness resulted in God providing bountifully for her and her son. They were able to eat for a year, and her jug did not run dry, nor did her flour jar go empty.

There was no promise made to the second widow, but she showed total commitment and trust in God that He would provide for her.

We should follow the example of both of the widows. We need to be detached from material possessions and totally trust in God... being generous... generous in sharing the love that God has for us... generous with forgiveness, generous with compassion and generous proclaiming the Gospel to others.

"When Christ comes the second time, He will bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him." (Heb 9:28)

Our hearts belong to God. Give back to Him and serve God with all your heart!