How To Keep Giving When You Lack Time and Money

My budget bleeds red, and my energy is overdrawn. Time is flying, not slowing down. As the spring recedes and gives way to summer, I feel like I’m running low on all of my resources. Anyone else?

This passage from the gospel of Mark reminded me of a woman who gave out of her poverty not abundance, and I wonder if it might have a word for us as we seek to keep giving despite our lack.

And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. 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. 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 12:41-44

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I’m constantly amazed at the economy of God. It does not work in tandem with mine for more often than not, it prioritizes the exact opposite.

Rest over striving.

Meekness over pride.

Faithfulness over success.

This passage in Mark is a familiar analogy for generosity and a reminder that the amount we give is not what defines our giving hearts. But what stands out to my worn out soul today is that this woman brought what she had—and it was enough. Not only was it enough, it pleased the Lord and provided a teachable moment to his disciples.

I wonder how many times we try to give what others dictate rather than what God has entrusted us. And, I wonder if that lack we constantly feel is the gap formed by comparison of our own expectations with reality. Her giving all that she had contrasted to others giving out of their abundance reminds me that we are called to love and give to the point we feel it.

If we only give out of a surplus of money or serve when we “finally have the time”, I wonder the joy we miss out on along the way. When I give to the extent I have been given, I am saying with my actions that I trust God to meet my needs and refill my cup with his everlasting water. When I continue giving faithfully, I accept the opportunity to rely on His resources, which never run out.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103:2,5 ESV

Reflection Questions:

• Where are you weary of giving right now: Work? Parenting? Ministry?

• How can you find joy in giving from your lack rather than waiting for an abundance?

• What does this passage of the woman with two coins inform your perspective on generosity?

“Honor GOD with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over.” Proverbs 3:9–10 MSG

May we be renewed in our giving, and may we give all that God has entrusted in our care back to Him.