Written byMarbella 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?

Written byBeliza Kocev, Brazil Coordinator for Iron Rose Sister Ministries

The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. (Mt 7:25 NIV)

I first went to church when I was a teenager, and I usually say that it was late, to the point that my mind had already been damaged on some level, but early enough that there wasn’t time for me to make some decisions that would have severe consequences for the rest of my life.

 Once I started to learn more about the Word of God, I noticed that many things that I had learned or that I had always seen as normal didn’t align with God’s will. 

I wanted to do everything right, and for a while, I thought that if I did everything right, nothing bad would happen. After all, I believed that I had been doing everything right… But I came across the first obstacle: the realization that I can’t do everything right. I would have loved to, and I tried, but I failed. I am thankful to God for His grace because He did not give up on me— because His mercies are new every morning (La 3:22-23). 

This was my understanding of building a house on the rock: practice what Jesus taught in order to have a house so strong, so firmly established, that storms would not even dare to come close to such a construction. The winds would blow by, the rain would change directions to avoid it, and no weather would reach it.

Well, as time went by, I realized that, yes, I reaped the benefits of good decisions, but the challenges would continue coming, and many times I questioned why those things were happening to me. After all, I was trying to build a strong house! The rain didn’t change directions upon seeing my house. On the contrary, it seemed like the rain called the lightning and thunder to come along with it. I couldn’t understand and I thought that my house wasn’t strong enough.

Building your house on the Rock requires a lot more effort than on the sand and involves denying oneself (Lk 9:23-26). It seemed like I wasn’t trying hard enough, but at the same time, it was too much effort for it not to have worked.

 It was only very recently, after years of singing the song that narrates this parable for children, that my brain processed both the house of the wise and the foolish as they each went through tribulations. The rain, the wind, and the floods reached both! It is not because the wise man perfectly obeyed the Lord that he would not go through difficult times. 

How did I not realize this? Jesus Himself told us that we would go through difficult moments in life (Jn 16:33). The difference is that, in the case of the wise man who put the Word of God into practice, his house withstood the tribulations.

Jesus explained very clearly that all who practice the Word of God will be able to withstand the tribulations and challenges of life.

I later realized that after the rains, winds, and floods of difficulties, tribulations, and suffering, my house was still standing… not because I was good, or a super civil engineer, or I myself was strong. But because even though my effort was only enough to build an unstable and precarious shack, the Lord is the eternal Rock (Is 26:4).

After a storm, it might take a while before you are able to “get the house in order.” Part of the roof might have fallen off and the wind may have torn down some things. It might take a while before everything that was drenched by the rains has time to dry. But your house will still be standing. You will still be standing!

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33).

What areas of your life are being rained on and wind-beaten but are still standing?