Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. – John 12:3

I could barely believe what I was hearing through the fog of interrupted sleep and a jumbled 9,741 mile cell phone connection this morning at 4:30. My oldest daughter Abby, effusively described how she was “thriving” while working long, exhausting hours on a farm in Lesotho, Africa. She used to complain when I asked her to bring in wood for the fire or help me plant spring flowers. Now she’s happily chopping wood and planting crops, despite blistered hands and constant fatigue.

God often asks us to step outside our comfort zone and do difficult work for His kingdom. There, in the mess or the unknown is where God can do some of His most powerful work in us.

Are you willing to get messy, sweat some, and follow Jesus into the unknown?

Mary did just that when she broke a jar filled with expensive perfume and poured it out on Jesus’ feet. She boldly walked, uninvited, into a room filled with men to do the work God had placed upon her heart. She knew Jesus’ remaining days on earth were few, so she stepped out in faith to do her part in preparation for the cross.

While the men in the room complained about Mary’s extravagant gift, she humbled herself, stooped low, and wiped Jesus’ feet clean with her hair. This intimate act displayed her pure adoration for her King. She moved through the criticism to complete the work God had called her to. Jesus’ response must have been music to her ears.

With power and authority, Jesus defended Mary by saying, “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.” (John 12:7). Soon after, the house was filled with the perfume’s beautiful fragrance.

This happens today when God’s children serve in Jesus’ name. Their small acts of obedience bless others and leave a beautiful fragrance in the atmosphere. This reminds me of:

• Alison, who passes out peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to the homeless.

• Polly, who advocates for disadvantaged children struggling to learn.

• Abby, who digs trenches and plants seeds she’ll never harvest.

What small act of service is God calling you to do this Holy week of Easter? Be brave, step into the “mess” and leave the atmosphere where you’ve been placed with a beautiful fragrance in Jesus’ name.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God the Father through Him. – Colossians 3:17

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World!

Thank You for being a part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Call Movement

#trust #faith