My second marriage sat crumbling in the corner of our big, big house. Going forward one more day took extra effort on my part. God provides for widows and orphans. Yet, I was not a widow. No instead addiction just walked off with my husband and marriage at Christmas a month earlier.
Not a widow yet, but without my husband I was left with no earthly provision for myself and my young boys. Why did the widow put all she had in offering plate?
The Widow’s Two Mites
Luke 21:1-4 And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, 2 and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. 3 So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; 4 for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.
God Provides Direction For the Hopeless
I am standing at a table looking at all of these young faces. They are pinned too little orange pieces of cardboard. Young round fresh faces.
Sitting in the Woman of Faith Conference in 2011 a video aired about the desperate needs of children around the world. I am sad to say that most of us are pretty adept at looking away from these and thinking next time or I already give to my church.
Giving When Life is Stressful
This time my heart was pulled. My personal marriage was in jeopardy. My sweet 4 & 6-year-old boys were living the life of a separated family with courts, police, and restraining orders. Just being at this conference was an act of courage on my part. The church paid for my ticket and very kind women supported my attendance to the point of picking me up and helping with childcare.
God touched me in that moment as sure as if I had heard the voice of my child. I did not wait for the other women in my party. I ran to the World Vision table.
Sacrificial Giving
As I stared down at the table I thought. I don’t know where the money is coming from for the mortgage, or food, or gas. “God really,” I asked, “take on an extra child even though I am not sure I can take care of my own.”
I felt such strong urge to do this that I sifted through the faces. I wanted one the age of my youngest boy then 4.
A defiant face popped out at me from South Africa. Isange, his little face all screwed up in a look of frustration that my boys got when they were asked to be still and smile for the camera.
I took the orange card and held it. Me, possibly facing two failed marriages and raising two boys mostly on my own. God wanted me to help this child I would most likely never meet or speak too.
Acting in Obedience
“What about the money?’ you have enough God said to my heart. Even in this the worst financial times you are still a wealthy woman in this world. “Let me show you,” He said to my heart.
Committing to this far way child brought me joy and peace and strength. I was not helpless. My spirit was not so crushed I could not be helpful to God’s Kingdom.
My present world had unraveled like an old rag rug but, but, I could still give and giving financially boosted my courage. This I thought is why the widow gave all she had. This step of faith provided me and the widow with courage. A defiant faith that says to the world God provides.
Was I crazy-yes crazy in love with this new husband, Jesus.
For your Maker is your husband—
the Lord Almighty is his name—
the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer;
he is called the God of all the earth.
6 The Lord will call you back
as if you were a wife deserted and distressed in spirit— Isaiah 54;5-6
How and why to give to World Vision
Supporting World Vision is a joy. They donate 85% of the donation directly to the child we sponsor. In addition, they offer a very up to date website with the ability to email the child you sponsor. Highly educational learning experience for your own children. Our six-year sponsorship has enriched our lives in so many ways. Please consider it for your family in 2018.
Tanya, bless you so much for giving in the midst of the pain you are experiencing. The Scripture that kept rising in my spirit as I read this was Psalm 126:5, “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” You are a blessed woman! I am asking and speaking over you that the Lord will strengthen you deep down in your spirit as you continue to abide in Him and enjoy Him while trusting He is working all things out for your good. I am praying for your husband also. So thankful for the ladies He is surrounding you with right now. Praying for supernatural provision. God sees you and will never leave you or forsake you! Keep us posted as God continues to abundantly bless you so we can praise Him and thank Him also!
You are so right Donna! We are reaping songs of joy as both my husband and me deal with our demons before God. Marriage is not simple and addiction and codependency are symptoms of deeper issues and hurts.
What an amazing story. Thank you for sharing this bit of your life with me. I feel like God knows we won’t take big steps if we are comfortable. The hardest times in my life were the ones when I moved the most in my faith…because I had not choice. In hindsight, I am so grateful that God pulled out the good from all the bad.
yes- I think I needed big actions to create the closeness God desired. Hard action brings about clear choices.