When he looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.” – Luke 21:1-4
Elaine called The Patrick Madrid Show, distressed because she had not given to support Relevant Radio® the day before. “We’re having financial problems, haven’t even made a house payment yet this month. I am a St. Joseph regular giver and … you guys have really done so much in my life and I just feel bad that I didn’t give yesterday. I feel like I didn’t trust God,” she said through tears. “My struggle, my question, my worry is that I didn’t show faith in God yesterday.”
“Don’t be down on yourself, Elaine,” said Patrick Madrid. “First of all, notice something: you are in the midst of this deep financial problem that you’re in right now. But the fact that you are thinking of being generous even in the midst of your suffering, even in the midst of the want that you’re experiencing right now, that is so meritorious in God’s eyes. Take some consolation in this, Elaine. The fact that you desire to help in the midst of your own want, that’s a blessing that God has given you and it’s beautiful to behold.”
Elaine told Patrick about some of the struggles she is currently facing: financial trouble, marital difficulties, her husband’s health problems, and her adult son who has strayed far from his faith. “I’m so worried about him, his soul. I pray to St. Monica all the time, I never stop praying. Never,” she said about her son.
Patrick assured Elaine that she is never alone, no matter how bad things get. “Just remember, I’m here for you ever day. I’m here and all of us here at Relevant Radio are here for you—we’re your friends,” he said.
Because she desired so deeply to support Relevant Radio in any way she could, Patrick asked her to do something. “I’d like to ask you to do only one thing for us. Yes, we’re in Pledge Drive, but there are people out there whose lives are not difficult financially and they’re going to help us … I know that they will do so. I’m going to ask you to do just one thing: if you would kindly offer up this time of suffering and uncertainty to almighty God on behalf of Relevant Radio. And just offer those sufferings to him and say, ‘I’m offering these sufferings to you, Lord, on behalf of Relevant Radio.’ That would be the greatest gift you could give us right now.”
“I’ll do that for sure. I can do that. I’m going to make a pledge anyway, I’m still going to call in and make a pledge,” said Elaine. Patrick was inspired by her faith, and said that her generosity reminded him of the story that Jesus told of the widow’s mite. She had very little but she gave all that she had.
There are listeners who cannot give at this moment. Could you donate on their behalf? In this final day of the Relevant Radio Join the Family Pledge Drive, your gift will be matched 100%. Thank you for supporting us with your prayers and donations. God bless you! Make your gift today.
Tune in to The Patrick Madrid Show weekdays at 9am-noon ET / 6-9am PT only on Relevant Radio®.
