Three Bible verses came to mind during my prayer and devotional time this morning.
The first comes from Mark 14, the familiar story of Mary breaking the alabaster jar and pouring the expensive perfume on Jesus. While some criticized her actions as wasteful, Jesus came to her defense and said, “Leave her alone… She did what she could” (Mark 14:8).
I love that phrase: “She did what she could.”
We can all do something, and that is what Jesus commends. He does not ask us to do what we cannot do; He simply asks us to faithfully do what we can.
The other two verses come from Paul’s letters to Timothy.
In 1 Timothy 4:14, Paul encourages Timothy not to neglect the spiritual gift within him. I especially appreciate how the Amplified Bible renders the verse:
“Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, [that special endowment] which was intentionally bestowed on you [by the Holy Spirit]…”
Then, in 2 Timothy 1:6, Paul reminds Timothy to “fan into flame” the gracious gift of God that was within him.
Those three verses give us a clear direction for today:
- Do what you can.
- Do not neglect the gifts God has given you to help others.
- If those gifts have grown dormant, fan them back into flame.
As an aging adult, I find myself looking toward the future with the realization that there is less life ahead of me than behind me. With that awareness comes a growing desire to make these days and years count for God’s kingdom.
At the same time, I have more moments than I used to when I wonder about my effectiveness and whether my life is making the impact I hope it is. The challenge is finding the balance between accepting reality and remaining faithful. I do not have the same energy I once had. My body is not what it used to be. There are things I simply cannot do anymore.
Yet there are still things I can do.
That is why Mary’s example is so encouraging to me. Jesus did not measure her by what she could not do. He simply said, “She did what she could.”
So, each day, I encourage myself to do what I can, using the gifts God has given me to serve Him and serve others. I may not be able to do everything I once did, but I can still do something.
Maybe this thought will help someone today.
No matter what season of life you find yourself in – young or old, strong or struggling, busy or limited – may we all seek to faithfully serve the Lord by simply doing what we can with what He has entrusted to us.
And if those gifts have grown dim, may we fan them back into flame for His glory.
(Written by Doug Linser June 24, 2026)
