Scripture:

Mark 14:3-9
3 While He was in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper, and reclining at the table, there came a woman with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume of pure nard; and she broke the vial and poured it over His head.
4 But some were indignantly remarking to one another, "Why has this perfume been wasted?
5 "For this perfume might have been sold for over three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor." And they were scolding her.
6 But Jesus said, "Let her alone; why do you bother her? She has done a good deed to Me. 
7 "For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them; but you do not always have Me. 
8 "She has done what she could; she has anointed My body beforehand for the burial. 
9 "Truly I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her."
NASU


Thoughts:

Sometimes God's will for us is not the obvious or usual thing.  This is probably the only account in the Bible in which helping the poor is trumped by another action (verse 7).  Indeed, her costly gift amounted to a year's wages -- this could help a substantial number of poor people!  We are to care for the poor, but there may be other things the Lord has for us to do at that moment -- this we must do in obedience.

Any Christian that gives to charity or ministry monetarily or with their time, eventually finds themselves in this quandary.  So many good causes, but limited resources.  The easy thing to do is to give until we have nothing left.  Emptying ourselves and our bank accounts until we can only say "no" due to our pure exhaustion and bankruptcy.  The Lord's will however, is that we give as He leads, which is sometimes in unexpected ways and may not be understood by those around us (verses 4 and 5).  In whatever way He does lead though, it is sure that it will be in agreement with the pages of scripture.


Prayer:

Lord, I want to do what You want me to, today.  Lead me as I seek to share of all that You've given me, according to Your will.  Help me to follow through, even if it might not be what others expect.

Amen