“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd… A poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins.” — Mark 12:41–44

Since becoming a Christian, I have always felt a deep inspiration to serve. Specifically, I feel a magnetic pull toward ministry for teenagers. It wasn’t my first choice—honestly, it wasn’t even on my radar initially—but somehow, God kept directing me down that path.

At the end of last year, I attempted to join a formal mission organization. I had the desire, but the plans fell through. Looking back, I am actually glad it didn't work out. I realized that God had more in store for me, something beyond what a traditional organization would allow me to do.

But this year brought a different kind of challenge : financial hardship and severe limitations.

As I looked at my bank account, I honestly didn't know how I could possibly serve. I tried to save money for the next mission trip, scraping together whatever I could. Sometimes, I went with a frighteningly small amount of money in the bank. Yet, the feeling of going anyway was beyond satisfying. There is a specific joy that sparks in my heart when I see the hunger in teenagers as they listen to the Gospel.

However, the internal battle was real. When God asked me to serve this year, I felt like I had absolutely nothing. I had no extra money, no spare energy, no perfect plan, no emotional capacity, and certainly no certainty.

I remember thinking, "God, how can I do ministry when I’m barely surviving myself ?"

I wasn’t overflowing. I wasn’t ready. I wasn’t resourced. I was tired, stretched thin, and unsure.

But in that moment of doubt, I realized something profound : God didn’t ask me for what I didn’t have. He asked me what I was willing to give. All I had were empty hands and a willing heart.

I was reminded of the Bible story about the widow in 2 Kings. Her husband had died, she was drowning in debt, and creditors were coming for her sons. She felt she had nothing. But the prophet Elisha instructed her to collect empty jars and fill them with the little oil she had left. That small amount of oil overflowed until she could pay all her debts and had enough left over to survive.

That story gave me the courage to show up to the call.

• I listened when someone needed to talk, even though my head was full of noise.
• I prayed for others when my own words felt insufficient.
• I encouraged them when I was still healing.
• I spoke up when my voice felt small.
• I served without knowing how the resources would sustain themselves.

And that is when the miracle happened. God didn’t wait for my abundance : He created abundance through my obedience. Just like the loaves and the fish, what felt insignificant in my hands became powerful in His.

Ministry didn’t drain me - it refined me. Serving didn’t make me poorer : it reminded me that God is the Source.

This year taught me a vital lesson : God doesn’t need my fullness. He multiplies my faithfulness. And somehow, even while I was pouring out, I was the one being filled.