There are so many amazing stories of faith from Genesis to Revelation, but one of my personal favorites is found in Mark 12:41-44 (also referenced in Luke 21:1-4). While it’s not the most talked about and might not be considered the most significant in comparison to others, I love the way that a seemingly small act of faith catches Jesus’ attention and moves His heart. It’s a reminder that what we often see as insignificant is of great value to God. Take a moment to read this story of the Widow’s offering:

“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 NIV

Through this passage, we are reminded that Jesus desires an offering of everything, not just an offering of much. Let me explain…

If we’re honest, we have all been guilty of being like the rich people mentioned in this story at times. Maybe not with our finances specifically, but with anything else of value to us personally; our time, talent, or treasure as it’s often said. While we might bring large amounts before the Lord, which are met with earthly applause, He sees and knows our hearts. The reality is that we can give a lot to Jesus, but still be withholding what is of most value to us from Him. We can give often, but with the wrong motive or misintention.

I’m reminded through this widow’s offering that more than Jesus desires the gift itself, He desires for us to bring what is costly to us before Him, not just what is comfortable or convenient. He’s not moved by what impresses man nor is He after riches for riches sake. Our hearts are far more valuable to His eyes than our tangible treasure.

What’s so beautiful to me about this story is that the offering the poor woman gave had less earthly value than what the rich individuals gave, but in the eyes of the One who was receiving the gift, her offering was far more valuable, celebrated, and gladly received. Why? Because although she didn’t have much, in faith, she gave everything she had.

She didn’t just give an offering of tangible treasure. She gave an offering of obedience. She gave the gift of surrender.

If you feel that you don’t have much to give, I have good news for you. Your everything is enough even if its value seems small in comparison to what others have to offer. How do I know? The widow’s offering. Jesus is less moved by your ability to give a large amount and more moved by your willingness to give your all, even if it’s not much. He longs for and is pleased by faith that withholds nothing from Him, believing that He is worthy and trustworthy. That’s the kind of currency the Kingdom rejoices over.

The only way you will give Him your all is if and when you put Him in His rightful place in your life. Making a decision to live wholeheartedly for Jesus will move you from a place of wrestling to hold onto what you can to joyfully surrendering all, even when it’s not easy or doesn’t make sense.

I remember God once giving me this picture of me standing before Him with open, empty hands crying out “I have nothing else to give.” He replied, “Beautiful. That’s exactly where I want you.”

Shortly after, I read this story during a study we were doing at church and ever since then I’ve been truly changed by it.

I knew it didn’t mean He was going to take everything from me or leave me with nothing, but that He longed for my willingness to give everything if that’s what following Him required. I have and continue to learn through living it that surrender is beautiful, freeing, and at times, excruciatingly painful… but ALWAYS worth it and more rewarding than what it requires.

I pray that if and when you find yourself in the tension of trying to hold onto what’s most valuable to you that you will remember the story of this widow’s offering and the way it moved Jesus’ heart. So much so that He even told His closest friends about it and taught them through it.

Again, there are so many amazing stories of faith, but of all of them, I pray my life is a reflection of this poor widow’s story. While I may not know her name, I know she moved Jesus’ heart in a way that He took note of it. For her, that was enough.

May we live by her example… not ruled by the desire for our names to be known or our stories to be told, but live lives of simple, sincere surrender to our Savior because we truly believe that He alone is worthy of it all.

I’ll leave you with this: “Simply put, if you’re not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can’t be my disciple.” Luke 14:33 MSG Don’t just give Jesus an offering of much, give Him an offering of everything.

Maddie‘s devotional “TRUST + FOLLOW: a 60 day devotional to know Jesus more” is releasing September 24th and is now available for pre-order! If you desire to draw closer to Jesus, grow in your understanding of His Word, and deepen your trust in Him, this is the perfect resource for you! Clink the link to pre-order or for more information.