God Can Multiply Your Minutes -Encouragement for Today - January 12, 2026

Encouragement for Today

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Asheritah Ciuciu January 12, 2026

God Can Multiply Your Minutes
ASHERITAH CIUCIU

“Summoning his disciples, he said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.’” Mark 12:43 (CSB)

It’s not enough … I shut my Bible with a sigh, rushing to pick up my crying baby.

It’s not enough … I stopped journaling midsentence to tend to the child standing in front of me.

It’s not enough.

I collapsed in bed at the end of the night, lids growing heavy while I tried to read a few Bible verses. Guilt wove into my subconscious as I drifted off to sleep. I’d fallen behind on my reading plan again.

No matter how hard I tried, the demands on my time kept me from my quiet time. A slithering voice whispered in my ear, God must be so disappointed in you.

I believed it too. And the shame gradually kept me from even trying.

What’s the point? I’ll just get interrupted anyway. Someday the kids will grow up, the house will be quiet, and I’ll finally get back to my daily quiet time. Then I’ll give God the time He deserves.

It was in this season of early motherhood that God taught me about the widow’s offering.

Jesus once stood in the temple treasury, observing the procession: businessmen swinging bags of silver, parents pressing coins into their children’s palms, couples giving their first joint contribution — and a poor widow who “dropped in two tiny coins worth very little” (Mark 12:42, CSB).

Mark doesn’t mince words; this offering appeared insignificant. But Jesus watched closely. This widow overlooked by busy worshippers, unimportant to everyone around her, drew His attention:

“Summoning his disciples, he said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. For they all gave out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had—all she had to live on’” (Mark 12:43-44, CSB).

Out of her little, she gave all — and it was more than enough. Because in God’s Kingdom economy, wholehearted devotion is a spiritual multiplier.

Maybe your season includes young children, aging parents, a broken marriage, chronic illness, or other challenges that tempt you to “wait until life gets better.” But what if, like the widow, you and I offered God our little snippets of time with cheerful hearts?

God delights in those whose hearts are completely devoted to Him. He isn’t looking for perfect quiet times; He’s looking for devoted hearts.

So it’s OK to start small in God’s Word. If you have only two minutes, give them to Him with a cheerful heart. God looks at the heart behind the habit.

And as you give Him your two minutes each day, watch how He will also multiply your time in the weeks to come, providing abundant opportunities to enjoy His presence more than you thought possible.

He’s generous like that.

And He’s not disappointed by your small offering — He’s delighted by your love.

Jesus, You who multiplied loaves and fish, would You also multiply these meager minutes to feed our souls? Draw us to Yourself, and help us delight in You with our whole hearts. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Maybe you stepped into the new year feeling like you barely survived the last one, especially after facing unexpected turns or unwanted circumstances. Friend, even if you feel like you’re just getting by, can we remind you of something important? Tending to your mental health is not selfish. In fact, it can be the very thing to help you reconnect with God and others. To help you get started, tune in to this Therapy & Theology episode featuring Lysa TerKeurst: Tools To Fight Anxiety and Better Your Mental Health. Watch on YouTube, and declare 2026 as the year you grow stronger and healthier than ever — mentally, spiritually, and emotionally.

ENGAGE

When your quiet time feels small, remember: God can multiply even your two minutes. If you’d like help making the most of those moments, download Asheritah’s free Bible Study Quickstart Guide for three short videos that will give you simple tools to enjoy God’s Word with confidence.

Feeling weary or spiritually dry? Find fresh encouragement and practical ways to delight in Jesus when you join Asheritah's free monthly Delighting in Jesus email devotional here.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Zephaniah 3:17, “The LORD your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will be quiet in his love. He will delight in you with singing” (CSB).

Where might you offer God your “widow’s offering” of time today? What would it look like to gladly give Him all you have — even if it doesn’t feel like a lot — trusting that He delights in your wholehearted offering?

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org