In A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, Eugene Peterson wrote, “Dragons are projections of our fears, horrible constructions of all that might hurt us. . . . A mere mortal confronted by a magnificent dragon is completely outclassed.”

These “dragons” are the supersized dangers and frailties of life that we’re inadequate to fight alone.  The moment we realize that they are too big for us is the moment we begin to rest in God’s rescue.

Jesus used a poor widow to remind us that true power for living comes from trust in God.  Even in the affluence of the Del Monte Forest there are those who are anxious about their financial resources.  I know a woman who sold her home in the Highlands for millions of dollars, and bought a smaller home for much less.  She has no debt, but will not spend more than $50/week on groceries.  She lives in fear of poverty.

Jesus’s story of the poor widow gives us insight and guidance to overcome our financial fears and find peace.

Dragons are in our lives and culture. We can so easily conform to the ways of the world and adopt its fears as our own.  We need to grasp where true power comes from (God) and what true power is for (love).

Then we can confidently say, “Thanks be to God! God gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).