If we’re praying for opportunities to a be a blessing, then we should make the most of every chance we get. Let’s not think of something as too small to be worthwhile. The poor widow who offered to feed the prophet Elijah thought she had barely enough to get by (1 Kings 17). In fact, she said, “We’re going to eat our last meal and then die.” Nevertheless, she blessed Elijah with what she had, and “they ate for many days. The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty” (1 Kings 17:15-16).
Which reminds me of a lady with another sort of jar, which in fact was completely emptied. Mary of Bethany saw her opportunity to be a blessing to the Lord, and anointed Him with her special, treasured oil. As Mark records, Mary “came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head” (Mark 14:3). Talk about an “essential oil”—this ointment she poured out on Jesus was worth at least $50,000 in today’s money. People “scolded her” for this (Mark 14:5). No matter. She was determined to be a blessing, and no cost was too great. Jesus called it “a beautiful thing” (Mark 14:6).
We see in Scripture examples of both small and great expressions of blessing from one person to another. But in each case, we see someone making the most of their opportunity. So let us not hesitate. Let us not think, “Who am I to offer to help?” or, “They might be embarrassed,” or “I can’t do much, so maybe I’ll wait until I can do more.” When God opens the door, be a blessing to others as well as you can in each instance!
