Pennies for God by Martin Wiles

Canada stopped producing the cent in March 2013. They claimed the cost to produce it was more than it was worth.

My in-laws—who live in the United States of America, beg to differ. As we were walking into one of my mother-in-law’s favorite stores recently, she bent over and picked up a coin. When I looked to see what it was, I saw only one small copper cent. Had I noticed it first, it would have continued lying on the hot asphalt.

Then I was reminded why she and my father-in-law make the effort. They donate all their loose change to their church for a feed the hungry program. One penny doesn’t seem like much, but many of them make a difference…especially when God’s in it.

Jesus taught the same thing and included one’s attitude in the mix. “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them (Luke 21:3 NLT).” As he witnessed the wealthy—with their pompous attitudes, toss in the Temple treasury what had no bearing on their finances, he also noticed a widow put in two small pennies—all she had to live on.

Giving to God is an act of faith whether it comes from my excess or represents all I have. The latter takes more trust. My wife and I know. When we give, we toss in God’s treasury what we need for bills and groceries. But we do it because God commands it and because we enjoy showing our appreciation for his physical and spiritual provision. The saying is trite but nevertheless true: “You can’t out give God.”

Whenever you think you can’t give to God because other obligations are zapping your income, give anyway—with the right attitude, and watch him multiply your goods and your faith.

Prayer: Thank You merciful Lord Jesus for supplying our every need. Encourage us to give to You even when it doesn’t make sense or fit into our budget.

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