The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. (1 Tim. 5:5)
Expanded Passage: 1 Timothy 5:3-6
The athlete crossing the finish line obviously completed prior training. The musician at Carnegie Hall performing a memorized concerto has prepared for months prior to their debut. Neither of these people hope on a whim that they can show up tomorrow and win a longer race or perform a completely new solo without the laborious legwork.
In the body of believers, there is a call to action. There will be a time when a struggle comes up and people are in place, prepared for the good work God has called them in advance to do (Eph. 2:10). Investments have been made by generations before us that make us ready to care for the family of God. This is a way to be engaged in God’s work and please his heart.
Secondly, there is a call to question. Where does one’s hope lie? Is hope in God, or not (1 Tim. 2:5)? God will answer when his people cry out.
God promises to draw near to those who draw near to him (James 4:8), and he will hear our cry as we wait patiently for him (Ps. 40:1). With God’s strength and mercies new every morning, and the same power that raised Jesus from the dead inside of us, we continue to train faithfully in order to execute the work that God calls us to. Training leads to triumph.
Train for your calling with prayer and service.
Sarah Grace was discipled in The Wesleyan Church in the Western New York region. She enjoys camping, music, and being outdoors in all seasons.
© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
