On the first day of the week, the Widow left her home early in the morning and walked into town. The sun was bright and warm and the dew wet grass quickly dried as she skipped along the road, confident her trouble would soon be resolved. When she arrived at the Judge’s house, she knocked with a light heart.
“Who is it?” his stern voice answered.
“The Widow,” her voice was light. “I’ve come to find out if you’d grant the petition that I laid before you. Will you give me what I’ve asked?”
“I will not,” he answered, without hesitation. “Go home and learn to content yourself with other matters.”
“I will come again tomorrow.” she replied, turning back the way she’d come.
On the second day of the week, the Widow left her home early in the morning and walked into town. It was another bright warm day and she smiled at the birds as they flew and dipped above her head. When she arrived at the Judge’s house, she rapped crisply on his door.
“Who is it?” his voice boomed.
“The Widow,” she sang out in reply. “I came yesterday to find out if you’d grant my petition and I’ve come again today. Will you give me what I’ve asked?”
“I will not.” he answered. “Go home and learn to content yourself with other matters.”
“I will come again tomorrow.” she replied, turning back the way she’d come.
On the third day of the week, the Widow left her home early in the morning and walked into town. It was so foggy she could barely see her hand in front of her face but she walked with confidence because she knew where she was going and gave a smart rap on the Judge’s door.
“Who is it?” he asked.
“The Widow,” her voice was expectant. “I’ve come for the last two days to find out if you’d grant my petition and I’ve come again today. Will you give me what I’ve asked?”
“I will not.” he answered coldly. “Go home and learn to content yourself with other matters.”
“I will come again tomorrow.” she replied, turning back the way she’d come.
On the fourth day of the week, the Widow left her home early in the morning and walked into town. The sky was bright blue with fluffy white clouds and she walked with a determined stride. Soon she knocked on the Judge’s door.
“Who is it?” he asked.
“The Widow,” she replied. “I’ve come for the past three days to find out if you’d grant my petition and I’ve come again today. Will you give me what I’ve asked?”
“I will not,” he answered. “Go home and learn to content yourself with other matters.”
“I will come again tomorrow.” she replied, turning back the way she’d come.
On the fifth day of the week, the Widow left her home early in the morning and walked into town. A light misty rain was falling but, after a long night of restless sleep, it refreshed her soul and she was as determined as ever when she knocked on the Judge’s door.
“Who is it?” His voice was grumpy.
“The Widow,” she sang out. “I’ve come for the past four days to find out if you’d grant my petition and I’ve come again today. Will you give me what I’ve asked?”
“I will not,” he answered. “Go home and learn to content yourself with other matters.”
“I will come again tomorrow.” she replied, turning back the way she’d come.
On the sixth day of the week, the Widow left her home early in the morning and walked into town. The sun was out and the birds chirped happily again, encouraging her to hum along until she finally knocked on the Judge’s door.
“Who is it?” he asked.
“The Widow,” she replied. “I’ve come for the last five days to find out if you’d grant my petition and I’ve come again today. Will you give me what I’ve asked?”
“I will not,” he answered. “Go home and learn to content yourself with other matters.”
“I will come again tomorrow.” she replied, turning back the way she’d come.
On the seventh day of the week, the Widow left her home early in the morning and walked into town. The streets were mostly empty, as per the Sabbath Day, and soon she knocked smartly on the Judge’s door.
“Who is it?” he asked.
“The Widow,” she replied. “I’ve come for the past six days to find out if you’d grant my petition and I’ve come again today. Will you give me what I’ve asked?”
“I will not,” he answered. “Go home and observe the day of rest, as our Lord demands in His commandments.”
“I will come again tomorrow.” she replied, turning back the way she’d come.
On the first day of the week, the Widow left her home early in the morning and walked into town. The crisp cool breeze seemed to blow away the angst she’d felt during another restless night and she felt better as she knocked on the Judge’s door.
“Who is it?” he asked.
“The Widow,” she replied. “I came everyday last week to find out if you’d grant my petition and I’ve come again today. Will you give me what I’ve asked?”
“I will not,” he answered smugly. “Go home and learn to content yourself with other matters.”
“I will come again tomorrow.” she replied, turning back the way she’d come.
On the second day of the week, the Widow left her home early in the morning and walked into town. As she hurried along, the scent of fresh baked bread made her stomach growled but, determined not to be delayed, she didn’t slow down as she passed the baker’s shop. Soon she banged on the Judge’s door.
“Who is it?” he called.
“The Widow,” she responded. “I came everyday last week and also yesterday to find out if you’d grant my petition. I’ve come again today. Will you give me what I’ve asked?”
“I will not,” he answered. “Go home and learn to content yourself with other matters.”
“I will come again tomorrow.” she replied, turning back the way she’d come.
On the third day of the week, the Widow left her home early in the morning and walked into town. The atmosphere was heavy and she heard the soft rhythmic scraping of tree branches quivering against the stone buildings, as if their limbs feared the impending storm. But her steps were sure and purposeful and soon she knocked on the Judge’s door.
“Who is it?” he called.
“The Widow,” she answered. “I came everyday last week and also the last two days to find out if you’d grant my petition. I’ve come again today. Will you give me what I’ve asked?”
“I will not,” he answered. “Go home and learn to content yourself with other matters.”
“I will come again tomorrow.” she replied, turning back the way she’d come.
On the fourth day of the week, the Widow left her home early in the morning and walked into town. There was lots of debris in the street after the storm and it took much longer to traverse the distance, but she didn’t deviate to the left or right and eventually knocked on the Judge’s door.
“Who is it?” The usual gruffness answered.
“The Widow,” she replied. “I came everyday last week and also the last three days to find out if you’d grant my petition. I’ve come again today. Will you give me what I’ve asked?”
“I will not,” he almost snorted. “Go home and learn to content yourself with other matters.”
“I will come again tomorrow.” she replied, turning back the way she’d come.
On the fifth day of the week, the Widow left her home early in the morning and walked into town. Her feet were torn and sore from cleaning up storm damage but she wasn’t going to take a day off. When she reached the Judge’s door, her fist banged with determination.
“Who is it?” he called.
“The Widow,” she answered. “I came everyday last week and also the last four days to find out if you’d grant my petition. I’ve come again today. Will you give me what I’ve asked?”
“I will not,” he answered. “Go home and learn to content yourself with other matters.”
“I will come again tomorrow.” she replied, turning back the way she’d come.
On the sixth day of the week, the Widow left her home early in the morning and walked into town. The light breeze was refreshing on her face after the troubles of the last few days and her steps were determined again as she made her way to the Judge’s door and knocked.
“Who is it?” he asked.
“The Widow,” she answered. “I came everyday last week and also the last five days to find out if you’d grant my petition. I’ve come again today. Will you give me what I’ve asked?”
“I will not,” he replied. “Go home and learn to content yourself with other matters.”
“I will come again tomorrow.” she replied, turning back the way she’d come.
One the seventh day of the week, the Widow left her home early in the morning and walked into town. Oppressive humidity draped across her shoulder and sweat dripped into her eyes on this Sabbath Day but she doggedly walked on and soon knocked on the Judge’s door.
“Who is it?” His tone was biting.
“The Widow,” she answered patiently. “I came everyday last week and also the last six days to find out if you’d grant my petition. I’ve come again today. Will you give me what I’ve asked?”
“I will not,” he snorted. “Go home and observe the day of rest, as our Lord demands in His commandments.”
“I will come again tomorrow.” she replied, turning back the way she’d come.
On the first day of the week, the Widow left her home early in the morning and walked into town. A soaking rain was falling and mud sloshed on her robes as she splashed through puddles the whole way. When she arrived, she pounded on the Judge’s door.
“Who is it?” he growled.
“The Widow,” she answered. “I came everyday for the past two weeks to find out if you’d grant my petition. I’ve come again today. Will you give me what I’ve asked?”
“I will not,” he replied. “Go home and learn to content yourself with other matters.”
“I will come again tomorrow.” she replied, turning back the way she’d come.
On the second day of the week, the Widow left her home early in the morning and walked into town. It was another hot humid day and her brisk stride worked up a sweat by the time she knocked on the Judge’s door.
“Who is it?” he asked.
“The Widow,” she responded. “I’ve come everyday for the past two weeks and also yesterday to find out if you’d grant my petition. I’ve come again today. Will you give me what I’ve asked?”
“I will not,” he answered. “Go home and learn to content yourself with other matters.”
“I will come again tomorrow.” she replied, turning back the way she’d come.
One the third day of the week, the Widow left her home early in the morning and walked into town. There was a stiff breeze blowing and she had to shield her face from sand and loose debris as she walked along but soon she knocked on the Judge’s door.
“Who is it?” he barked.
“The Widow,” she answered. “I’ve come everyday for the past two weeks and two days to find out if you’d grant my petition. I’ve come again today. Will you give me what I’ve asked?”
“I will not,” his voice was haughty. “Go home and learn to content yourself with other matters.”
“I will come again tomorrow.” she replied, turning back the way she’d come.
On the fourth day of the week, the Widow left her home early in the morning and walked into town. There was a refreshing chill in the air and she fairly skipped up to the Judge’s door to knock.
“Who is it?” he called.
“The Widow,” she answered sweetly. “I’ve come everyday for the past two weeks and three days to find out if you’d grant my petition. I’ve come again today. Will you give me what I’ve asked?”
“I will not,” he answered. “Go home and learn to content yourself with other matters.”
“I will come again tomorrow.” she replied, turning back the way she’d come.
On the fifth day of the week, the Widow left her home early in the morning and walked into town. There was misty rain falling and the wind blown droplets stung her skin. Such as it was, it did nothing to lift her flagging spirit as she thought about all the Judge’s denials but she wasn’t going to turn around and she soon knocked on his door.
“Who is it?” His tone mocked her despair.
“The Widow,” she answered, with a hint of disgust. “I’ve come everyday for the past two weeks and four days to find out if you’d grant my petition. I’ve come again today. Will you give me what I’ve asked?”
“I will not,” he answered. “Go home and learn to content yourself with other matters.”
“I will come again tomorrow.” she replied, turning back the way she’d come.
On the sixth day of the week, the Widow left her home early in the morning and walked into town. It was a cold day and she wrapped her arms tightly around herself to keep warm as she determinedly stalked to the Judge’s door and knocked.
“Who is it?” he called.
“The Widow,” she answered, with chattering teeth. “I’ve come everyday for the past two weeks and five days to find out if you’d grant my petition. I’ve come again today. Will you give me what I’ve asked?”
“I will not,” he answered with disdain. “Go home and learn to content yourself with other matters.”
“I will come again tomorrow.” she answered, turning back the way she’d come.
On the seventh day of the week, the Widow left her home early in the morning and walked into town. Another stiff breeze was blowing on this Sabbath Day, but it was warmer than the day before and brought relief to her old bones. Soon she knocked on the Judge’s door.
“Who is it?” he called.
“The Widow,” she answered. “I’ve come everyday for the past two weeks and six days to find out if you’d grant my petition. I’ve come again today. Will you give me what I’ve asked?”
“I will not,” he answered. “Go home and observe the day of rest, as our Lord demands in His commandments.”
“I will come again tomorrow.” she answered, turning back the way she’d come.
On the first day of the week, the Widow left her home early in the morning and walked into town. It was an overcast muggy day that did nothing to brighten her mood after another restless night but she had an errand and meant to keep it. Soon she knocked on the Judge’s door.
“Who is it?” he called.
“The Widow,” she answered. “I’ve come everyday for the past three weeks to find out if you’d grant my petition. I’ve come again today. Will you give me what I’ve asked?”
“I will not,” he responded. “Go home and learn to content yourself with other matters.”
“I will come again tomorrow.” she responded wearily, turning back the way she’d come.
On the second day of the week, the Widow left her home early in the morning and walked into town. A heavy rain obscured her view but didn’t deter her and soon she was pounding on the Judge’s door.
“Who is it?” he called.
“The Widow,” she spluttered, as torrents of water ran down her cheeks and chin. “I’ve come everyday for the past three weeks and also yesterday to find out if you’d grant my petition. I’ve come again today. Will you give me what I’ve asked?”
“I will not,” he replied. “Go home and learn to content yourself with other matters.”
“I will come again tomorrow.” she answered, turning back the way she’d come.
On the third day of the week, the Widow left her home early in the morning and walked into town. The day was bright and sunny and birds again chirped overhead but, having had another restless night, she barely heard them. Soon she knocked on the Judge’s door.
“Who is it?” His gruff voice matched her emotions.
“The Widow,” she replied. “I’ve come everyday for the last three weeks and two days to find out if you’d grant my petition. I’ve come again today. Will you give me what I’ve asked?”
“I will not,” he sneered. “Go home and learn to content yourself with other matters.”
“I will come again tomorrow.” she answered, turning back the way she’d come.
On the fourth day of the week, the Widow left her home early in the morning and walked into town. Fog shrouded the way and, after another restless night, she wondered again if her vigil was worth it but she didn’t turn back and soon banged on the Judge’s door.
“Who is it?” he answered.
“The Widow,” she replied. “I’ve come everyday for the last three weeks and three days to find out if you’d grant my petition. I’ve come again today. Will you give me what I’ve asked?”
“I will not,” he answered. “Go home and learn to content yourself with other matters.”
“I will come again tomorrow.” she answered, turning back the way she’d come.
On the fifth day of the week, the Widow left her home early in the morning and walked into town. Breathing the crisp cool air momentarily made her forget her troubles but walking the familiar old route brought them back and soured her mood. However, she pressed on and soon knocked on the Judge’s door.
“Who is it?” he asked gruffly.
“The Widow,” she responded. “I’ve come everyday for the last three weeks and four days to find out if you’d grant my petition. I’ve come again today. Will you give me what I’ve asked?”
“I will not,” he answered. “Go home and learn to content yourself with other matters.”
“I will come again tomorrow.” she said, turning back the way she’d come.
On the sixth day of the week, the Widow left her home early in the morning and walked into town. The sky was bright but there was a stiff breeze blowing and she hunched over to brace against it as she marched along. Soon she knocked on the Judge’s door.
“Who is it?” he asked.
“The Widow,” she responded. “I’ve come everyday for the last three weeks and five days to find out if you’d grant my petition. I’ve come again today. Will you give me what I’ve asked?”
“I will not,” he replied. “Go home and learn to content yourself with other matters.”
“I will come again tomorrow.” she said, turning back the way she’d come.
On the seventh day of the week, the Widow left her home early in the morning and walked into town. The sun warmed, refreshed, and energized her body and soul and soon she knocked on the Judge’s door.
“Who is it?” he called.
“The Widow,” she sang out. “I’ve come everyday for the past three weeks and six days to find out if you’d grant my petition. I’ve come again today. Will you give me what I’ve asked?”
“I will not,” he responded. “Go home and observe the day of rest, as our Lord demands in His commandments.”
“I will come again tomorrow.” she replied, turning back the way she’d come.
On the first day of the week, the Widow left her home early in the morning and walked into town. It was another warm day and the dew wet grass soaked her sandals, but she didn’t mind and soon knocked on the Judge’s door.
“Who is it?” he called.
“The Widow,” she responded. “I’ve come everyday for the past four weeks to find out if you’d grant my petition. I’ve come again today. Will you give me what I’ve asked?”
“I will not,” he answered, drumming his fingers on his desk in annoyance. “Go home and learn to content yourself with other matters.”
“I will come again tomorrow.” she replied, turning back the way she’d come.
Standing up, the Judge finally went to his window to watch as she walked away instead of remaining in his study. Wondering how such a frail wrinkled little old woman could’ve become such a throne in his side, he pouted as he studied her.
Pacing back and forth, he muttered as he tried to figure her out. “What possessed her to come everyday? I’ve rejected her for twenty-nine days straight! Why can’t she take the hint?”
Honestly, he was getting tired of it. Maybe, at the beginning, her little vigil had amused him but it had long since gotten old.
Geez, maybe I should just give her what she wants, he thought, clenching and unclenching his fists in angst. If I don’t, she’s liable to come pounding on my door every morning until she drives me into an early grave!
On the second day of the week, the Widow left her home early in the morning and walked into town. As she walked, she impatiently wondered if her troubles would ever end. Walking into disappointment everyday is a lonely trek, but she desperately longed for something with all her heart so what else could she do? Coming to the Judge’s door, she pounded furiously.
“Who is it?” his voice held the usual gruffness.
“The Widow,” she responded. “I’ve come to you everyday for the past four weeks and also yesterday to find out if you’d grant my petition. I’ve come again today. Will you give me what I’ve asked?”
To her surprise, the door opened and the Judge finally stood before her. After an awkward pause, he said. “Yes madam, I’ve granted your petition. Go home and leave me in peace.”
To his surprise, the Widow fell to her knees, lifting face and hands to Heaven.
“Praise God, from whom all blessings flow! Every good and perfect gift comes from you and I will sing of your wonderful deeds forever. You are not slow in keeping Your promises, as some understand slowness, but wish for everyone to come to repentance. Seek the Lord while he may be found, all you people, call on Him while He is near.”
“It was not my own effort,” she continued, with joyful tears in her eyes, “that changed this man’s mind so that he would grant my petition. If I had prayed to you but once over all these long days and nights, I have faith you would have heard and answered my prayer. For you’ve said, ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you. You’ve also said that it is not by our own works that we are saved, so that no one can boast. It is by Your grace we are saved, through faith.”
Then she got up and went home.