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Written by Deanna Brooks, volunteer for Iron Rose Sisters Ministries in Arkansas
In Mark 14 (ESV) while Jesus was eating with Simon the leper, a woman came and anointed Him with pure nard, a costly ointment. When she was criticized, Jesus replied in verse 8: “She has done what she could.”
What a beautiful acknowledgment of the gift this unnamed woman gave from her heart.
Throughout Scripture, we are told about others who “have done what they could,” even though that exact statement isn’t used to describe their actions.
Noah’s wife… have you thought about the role she played in encouraging Noah as he followed God’s instructions to build the ark? We are told nothing about her except that she is referred to as “Noah’s wife (Ge 6:18, 7:7, 7:13, 8:16, 8:18), and we know she was faithful.
In Exodus, 2 Jochebed protected her infant son when she prepared a waterproof basket and placed him into the Nile River. Then she left her young daughter, Miriam, to watch. The cruel Pharaoh wanted to destroy all the male Hebrew babies, and Jochebed’s heart must have been heavy as she placed her baby boy into the Nile, not knowing what would happen, but trusting God. God was working, and when Pharaoh’s daughter found him, Miriam offered to find someone to nurse the baby… and that person was the baby’s mother. Jochebed was able to have those early years with her son.
In Joshua 2, Rahab is described as a prostitute, but when the spies came, she realized they served a God greater than the Canaanite gods she had known and protected them by hiding them under the flax drying on the roof.
In 1 Samuel 25, Abigail came to David with food for his men, acknowledging that her husband, Nabal, had done wrong in refusing to feed the soldiers. Her generous heart must have caught David’s attention because she became one of his wives after the death of her husband.
The widow of Zarephath (in Sidon) prepared food for Elijah with the last of her provisions, and because of her kindness, her flour and oil never ran out during the famine (1Ki 17:8-16).
Esther became queen and violated protocol by approaching King Xerxes without being called by him after listening to the words of Mordecai, “And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Est 4:14). In doing so, she saved her people, and Jews celebrate the Feast of Purim to this day.
The angel Gabriel came to Mary, telling her she would bear a son. Mary’s response to Gabriel in Luke 1:38 was, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” She was a virgin, but she was willing to be the vessel for something she did not understand.
During Jesus’ ministry there were women who followed Him, and Luke 8:1-3 tells us they provided for Him out of their means.
In Acts 9, we read of Dorcas who used her needle and fabric to make clothing for widows in need.
None of these women did anything “big” that would attract the news media. They did things that were part of their everyday life.
In Exodus 4:2, God asked Moses, “What is that in your hand?” It was a simple shepherd’s staff, but later it would be in Moses’ hand as he stretched it out over the Red Sea and watched the waters part. “Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground” (Ex 14:16).
These and other examples of faithfulness we see throughout Scripture… of people who used what they had… should encourage us to use our talents.
Paul writes in Col 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
When we look at what we are doing in our daily lives, are we doing what we can as though we are doing it for our Lord, Jesus the Christ?
Written by Marbella Parra, volunteer for the Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Honduras
As we read the Bible, we find many exemplary stories of women who, with what they had in their hands, did important things that influenced the lives of others and left a mark on eternity. In the New Testament, we find the story of a woman who anointed Jesus with a very expensive perfume, and when criticized by those around her for "wasting the perfume," Jesus defended her by saying, "She did what she could" (Mk 14:8 NIV). He recognized her sincere dedication and her willingness to give the best she had, regardless of the criticism of others. No more was demanded of her than what she could offer, but her act of love and devotion was recorded as an example for all. These words resonate as a reminder that God is not calling us to do the impossible but to be faithful with what we have, whether it be our time, talents, resources, or efforts. It's about living with an attitude of surrender and trusting that God uses every little act done with love for His glory.
As women of God, we have been challenged to put wisdom into practice in our daily lives, as Matthew 7:24 says: "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.". Wisdom is not simply accumulated knowledge, but action based on divine truth.
The woman who anointed Jesus did not wait for perfect timing or approval from others. She simply acted with love and gratitude. In the same way, each of us has daily opportunities to do what we can with what God has placed in our hands. Perhaps it is a word of encouragement, a prayer, an act of service, or a personal sacrifice that, although may seem small, has a great impact on the Kingdom of God.
In my case, my mother has been a great example in this regard. She taught me that even though I had no experience working with children, I could serve in children's ministry and learn how to develop my gifts for God. She taught me that even though I didn't have the gift of public speaking, I could teach other young women and girls with my life and teachings. She taught me that the Lord could use me in His work if I would make my life available to Him. So, I can say that she was an example to me that, although she didn't have all the gifts that she thought she needed, her love and willingness to serve God were greater; she always strived to give what she could and was within her reach for God.
I am sure that each of us strives daily to give the best to God, and we must value that to continue motivating ourselves to do better each time according to the abilities we have. Today, I want to encourage you to think about the things we are giving to God and never underestimate our effort and dedication, as long as it is with selfless love.
Practicing wisdom as a woman of faith involves building on the rock, making decisions with discernment, and acting courageously. It is not a matter of having everything figured out, but of moving forward with what God has given us at this moment. At the end of our day, may we hear in our hearts the Lord's sweet affirmation, "She did what she could," knowing that every act done with love and obedience has eternal value.
What can you do today with what you have in your hands to honor God and bless others?
