**Scripture**
**43** And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box.**44** For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” Mark 12:43-44 ESV
Observation
This woman, who put what Jesus says as, “all she had to live on,” shows which direction this woman put her trust in. The rich put what they had in excess, meaning what they could spare. Their wealth is what they trusted. Of course, having money allows us to be relieved of stress that can be caused by not having enough. However, that is where the trap of riches lies. We can get comfortable and feel like we are our providers. We have earned this money so it is ours. But the fact is that all that we have is because of what God has deemed us to have. God doesn’t play favorites and allow only those He favors to have money. Money is a test for us to see who is our master. The woman could have held tightly to the copper coins, though not very much, it was still all she had to live on. She trusted God would take care of her needs, thus giving up all she had. What about us? Are we trusting in God’s provision, or are we scrambling around and worried about having enough?
Application
Money is something that we all need to live in this world. But what controls us is a different matter. Jesus is asking us who has control over our lives? Who do we trust, Him or money? Giving away and being generous allows us to see God’s provision in our lives. It will enable us to rely upon God as our provider and to understand who is the source of our income and for whose glory do we use it for. I am one to worry especially about money, but thank God for this message today! I am reminded to trust in God to take care of my needs. Yes, I need to do the work and remain faithful to Him, but my focus needs to shift from holding onto money to stewarding it well for His glory, trusting Him that He will take care of my needs.
## Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you so much for your provision! I know that this is an area that I struggle in, and thank you for your patience and for showing me that I can trust You in each step and the way You are calling me to follow. Thank you for sharing this Word with me. Please help me to have the proper perspective on money and teach and guide me to be a better steward of the money You bless me with. I love You and ask of this in Your Name, Jesus. Amen.
