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Like other single people, a widow has a choice to make. She can worry about her situation as a widow, or she can take up God’s challenge and take on the multitude of opportunities for service.
Depending on her age and whether or not she has children at home, she can shift her service from her husband’s needs to the church’s needs. Like my husband’s mother, who was widowed twice, a widow can gain a reputation with her service, being “well reported for good works,” offering hospitality to others, caring for people in need, and diligently following every good work (1 Timothy 5:10).
The Bible shows us many marvelous examples of widows who contributed significantly to God’s purposes and people.
The Widow of Zarephath
During a time of severe famine in the land of Israel, this single mom and widow gave up her last bit of food to feed God’s prophet Elijah. In response to her faith, obedience, and sacrifice, God provided food for her and her son during the famine (1 Kings 17:9-16).
Anna
This amazing woman had been married for seven years and then lived as a widow until she was 84 years old. One day Jesus was brought to the temple by His parents—where Anna “served God with fastings and prayers night and day” (Luke 2:37). God honored Anna’s faithful service by allowing her the blessing of seeing the Messiah.
The Widow Who Gave All
One day when Jesus was in the temple He observed those who were placing their tithes into the treasury. Jesus pointed out a poor widow who dropped in only “two mites,” about one-eighth of a penny. Jesus commended this destitute widow’s giving (Mark 12:42-43).
Here are a few ways to serve others as a widow:
Just as a married woman has a purpose, so do you! You get the honor and privilege of unencumbered service to your Lord! You get to pull out all the stops and serve to your heart’s content. Develop your spiritual gifts and ask those in leadership at your church about areas of ministry where you could help others and use your time and gifts. Begin by just being available.
God keys in on being “holy both in body and in spirit” (1 Corinthians 7:34). God is holy, and those who serve Him are to fight the battle of keeping themselves untainted and pure from sin.
As a widow or married woman, you can be an encourager to those who are single. For three years, I flung open the doors of our home to the single career women in my church for a Bible study. We grew together. We studied God’s Word together. We created fun outings and get-togethers.
I hope you grasp the reassuring reality of God’s plan for you if you are a widow, single, or if you become single in the future. As in all things, God has a purpose for you and He has you covered…no matter what happens, where you are, or what your life involves.
Dear God of all comfort, today I praise You that You give strength to the brokenhearted and aid to those who are in need. Please guide me in serving others. Amen.
Decorate your kitchen or office with this printable, available for purchase and download.
Look around in your local congregation, reach out to church leadership, and see how you can serve.
As a widow or married woman, you can be an encourager to those who are single.
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
How did men and women in the Bible accomplish great things for God? There wasn’t any secret formula or bestselling book on success for them. In fact, they were ordinary people like you and me. What made them effective was their willingness to obey God—one decision at a time.
