What Does Jesus Say When I Can’t Do Much?

Illness can leave us feeling as though we are not doing enough. Kerryn reminds us of how God measures our abilities.

“‘Leave her alone,’ said Jesus. ‘Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to Me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have Me. She did what she could'” (Mark 14:6-8a).

Since becoming ill with chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS) I’ve had to get used to doing very little. It’s common to feel “useless” and “unimportant” as the world whizzes by in action, goal chasing, and busyness.

I’ve been told I’ve coped amazingly well with the challenges that this brings. Thankfully the Lord’s grown me incredibly to base my self-worth upon Him, not upon what I can do.

However, just when I’ve become sure in that. Wham! Change happens!

A couple of months ago I had a major operation. Combine that with CFIDS and other illnesses, and it’s completely exhausted me. Being bed, chair, and housebound with no energy to do the most menial tasks has taken me anew through grief.

Grief is a traveling partner to suffering. It’s something we all have to deal with and grow through, as we take this grief to Jesus.

I’ve realized that I’ve only managed one regular task since my operation to assist my family, since my operation–refilling the baskets that hold the toilet rolls in the bathrooms! Talk about the most menial task and one which no-one notices.

“She did what she could.”

I can hear Jesus’ words to me. How precious to hear them.

We don’t know much about the woman that poured expensive perfume on the Lord’s head. What we do know is how others responded and how Jesus responded. I praise God that His son, Jesus, says “she did what she could.”

He understands that my little is much.

He knows that my blanket prayers, due to brain fog, and exhaustion are extravagant.

He sees the desire in my heart, even though my body can’t achieve it.

Hear Jesus saying to you, “she did what she could.”

Prayer: Jesus, thank You that You know us completely. Thank You that You see that what we do is huge and extravagant, though it may seem menial to others. Help us to hear Your words “s/he did what s/he could.” Amen.

About the Author:
Kerryn Wright lives with her family amongst the gum trees in South Australia. She was a special education teacher prior to chronic illnesses. Her husband is carer for three of their family, who have chronic illnesses and disabilities. God has always guided them through life’s challenges, often in surprising ways.

How significant are those words from Jesus for you? How will Jesus’ words to you impact upon your sense of worth from now on?

I love this song, because it is called “Rest in Me” (I sorta like all things related to rest–especially the kind we find in God!) It is sung by Todd Vaters and I hope it will an encouragement to you as you search for real rest–rather than think about all that you are unable to do. I think one of God’s most important desires for us is the ability to rest in Him–without any guilt for not doing more for Him. -Lisa