My Two Cents

God does not look at what man looks at. God judges the motives of our hearts. (Proverbs 16:2)

Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, 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 12:41-44

Can’t you image this scene? People are coming to give their money to the temple treasury and Jesus is watching. Some would say the bigger the bag of money, the better the person. Others may say the more money you give, the greater the sacrifice.

Not Jesus.

As Jesus watches the crowd bring their offering, he knows what lies deep within their hearts.   He can see what others cannot see.

Jesus knows their life stories.

As the widow places her two coins into the treasury, she is no stranger to Jesus.  He knows everything about her.  He knows she is poor and that she is giving all she has.  Jesus knows the gravity of her sacrifice.

Today, I want you to remember that God sees your whole story. There is nothing hidden from His sight. (Hebrews 4:13)

He knows every battle you are fighting.

He knows the struggles you’re having with your sister. He knows how insecure you feel about your body.  He sees you go into your closet, in secret, to cry.  He knows every failure you have experienced, every sin you have committed.  He knows how you worry. He knows every doubt and fear that keeps you awake at night.

God knows when you are exhausted emotionally, physically and spiritually.

But you know what else He knows?

He knows when you give your all to serve Him. He hears you when you praise Him through song, in your car.  He listens as you pray for your friend.  He sees you read your Bible.  He watches as you stand for righteousness.  He knows about the meal you brought to a friend.  He saw you give extra money, in secret, to help a stranger.  He knows how hard you work, serving at church and in the community.

God sees everything.  Not only does He know what you do, He knows why you do those things.

I wonder if you ever feel like the widow who only had two coins to give.  I wonder if you sometimes feel that your contribution to God’s kingdom is insignificant.

Sometimes I feel like that.

Sometimes the enemy whispers in my ear, “Someone else can do it better than you, Joy.” or “Why do you keep trying when you never get it right?  Joy, you should quit.”

When you begin to doubt your contribution to the kingdom of God, you need to stop and remember that the enemy is a liar!

Here is the Truth:

• You are significant to the kingdom of God.  (Psalm 139)
• He created you with a purpose in mind. (Romans 8:28)
• Unfortunately, you will mess up.  We all do!  (Romans 3:23)
• But, you are forgiven through the blood of Christ (Isaiah 1:18)
• God’s compassion on you never fails.  His mercies are new every morning.  (Lamentations 3:22-23)
• When you are tired, He will give you strength.  (Isaiah 40:29)
• When you feel brokenhearted, He is near. (Psalm 34:18)
• He keeps track of when you are sad.  He collects all your tears in His bottle and records each one in His book.   (Psalm 56:8)
• Remember, life is not all fun and games.  God has work for you to do.  (James 2:17)
• Know that He has gifted you to serve others. (Ephesians 4:11-13)
• He is faithful, so don’t give up!   When He calls you to it, He will do it!  (1 Thessalonians 5:24)
• His plan for you is not an easy plan, but it is a good plan.  (Jeremiah 29:11)

God knows everything you are going through, and like the widow, sometimes you only have two coins to offer Him.

That’s okay.

Put what you have into His kingdom’s treasury my friend, and trust that He will use you for His purpose, His will, and His glory!

~Joy

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”   ~Isaiah 6:8