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Like other singles, 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, Lois, 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 (Mart 13:33-34).
Service comes in many forms. Perhaps you are single, a single mom, or a widow. If so, here are a few ways to serve others:
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, holy, holy, and those who serve Him are to fight the battle of keeping themselves untainted and pure from sin.
Married or single, every woman 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 presently single, or if you become single in the future. As in all things, God’s got a purpose for you and He has you covered…no matter what happens, where you are, or what your life involves.
RESPOND
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.
RENEWING RESOURCES 
Breaking the Worry Habit Forever– Going beyond the simple "just pray and give your troubles to the Lord," Elizabeth acknowledges how hard it can be to "let go and let God." She offers practical step-by-step advice to help you in this encouraging book for women.
Art Prints –We’ve created special art prints to fill your heart and home with God's Word. Shop for your Bible artwork today!
REFLECT
Contact your church leadership this week and ask how you can serve.
REMEMBER
“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have.” (Hebrews 13:5)
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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:
When something difficult happens in your life, are you ever tempted to ask, “What good could come out of this?” The event looks like a disaster. It feels like a disaster. Therefore, we quickly conclude, it is a disaster! But God did not forget His people who were suffering in Babylon. And, my friend, He won’t forget you!
Too many times in the past I’ve told others “I’m fine” in order to hide my pain and sorrows from them. The truth is, my thoughts pulled me down so far that, in private, tears regularly streamed down my face. Are you constantly thinking negative thoughts? Being a woman after God’s own heart is all about “minding your mind.”
As a young mother, I endeavored to “train a child in the way he should go,” so that “when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). A decade later, however, I wasn’t reaping the results I had expected. Angrily, I said to God, “But this isn’t the way it was supposed to be! This isn’t the way it went for this family here or that family over there. And this isn’t the way it was supposed to be for my family!”