Doing What She Could

Do you ever wonder if you're "doing" this Christian life correctly? If you're doing enough? Oh please don't get me wrong, I am in NO way suggesting that salvation is based upon our works.

Salvation is based solely upon the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

But after salvation, due to our love for our Saviour, we will desire by faith to walk in His ways. To serve Him and others through our time, talents and treasures.

We only get one go around at this life here on earth, and I'm sure as a believer you desire for your life to bring honor and glory to the Kingdom of God. To make a difference!

So often I find myself asking,

"Am I truly using my time, talents and treasures wisely for the Lord and for others?"

"Living in a way that others see Christ in me?"

"Helping others to see their need of a Saviour?"

IS IT

ENOUGH?

BUT by what standard am I using in judging my service to the Lord and towards others?

By the opinion of other people and what they think?

By my own judgement?

Or by what the Lord says in His Word and by what the Holy Spirit impresses upon my heart?

If I depend upon what others think or say or even by my own thinking, then I'll always be on the quest to find that perfect golden ring, that act of service just beyond my reach.

And guess

what

will happen?

I'll find myself attempting to do acts of service for the Lord and for others I was never meant to do. This in turn will end up causing loads of frustration, much heartache and even greater disappointment.

However, tucked away in Mark is a verse that gives great comfort, peace and reassurance. 

"She hath done what she could"
Mark 14:8

Let's back up and set the scene for this verse.

While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the leper, a woman entered the house carrying a very expensive and precious alabaster box containing spikenard.

Spikenard is the root of an Indian plant and is distinguished by having many hairy spikes shooting out from one root. The ointment prepared from the root was highly valued. Spikenard symbolized the very best in ancient cultures.

The woman approached Jesus, broke the box and poured the ointment on His head.

Some of those in the house became extremely irritate with the woman, murmuring because all they could see was the huge waste of money in using the ointment the way in which she did.

But Jesus spoke up and said, 

"Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me."
Mark 14:6

"She hath done what she could."
Mark 14:8

You can read the full account in Mark 14:1-9

Here is something VERY interesting to take note of:

The woman entered the home without speaking a word.

She didn’t announce what she was going to do.

She gave no description as she did it.

She gave no explanation for her actions afterwards.

Most of all, she was not swayed by those accusing her of wasting money.

She simply

did what

she came

to do.

And that

was to

honor

and

glorify

her Saviour!

"Let us labor in our service for the Lord to be more and more hidden; as much as the proud desire to catch the eye of man, let us endeavor to avoid it."
Charles Spurgeon

WOW!

Something

to

seriously

ponder!

Okay back to our story!

Jesus gave the woman the highest compliment for her sacrifice by saying,

"She hath wrought a good work on me."

"She hath done what she could."

God expects no more from us than what we are able to do, and that will be different for each and every believer.

Every believer is capable of serving the Lord in some capacity.

Some in the public eye.

Some behind the scenes.

Some making a difference in many lives.

Some affecting just one or two lives.

Some preaching sermons.

Some praying for those preaching the sermons.

Some living in foreign lands serving as missionaries.

Some giving money to support the missionaries.

Some making meals for shut-ins or those recovering from hospital stays.

Some sending encouraging text messages or cards to the shut-ins or those recovering from hospital stays.

YES, of course new doors of opportunities to serve the Lord and others will come into your life, but always make sure, through prayer, that you're following the leading of the Holy Spirit and not just acting on a whim.

We cannot

nor

were

we created

to do

it ALL!

My friend, please take comfort knowing if you are serving the Lord with all your heart and doing EXACTLY what the Lord has called you to do, then you can put away all questions and doubts and rest assured knowing the Lord is saying to you,

"She hath wrought a good work in me."

"She hath done what she could."

"Father, thank You for allowing us the privilege of serving You and others. Thank You, as well, that we never need to put ourselves in a place of competition or comparison with one another. You know each of us personally and the intents of our hearts. You recognize when we are truly doing what we are able and we thank You for giving us the reassurance that it is indeed acceptable in Your sight. Father, we love You and give You all our praise.
In the most worthy and holy Name of Jesus, Amen."

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May God Bless You,

Barb