What's in Your Alabaster Jar?

I (Lisa) had the joy of attending a one night women's conference in Estes Park that included not only the women in my church, but the women in our association of churches in Northern Colorado. This conference only comes around once every three years, so we treasure the time!

This year's theme was The Alabaster Jar based on the story in Luke 7:37-38 of the woman who, at great cost, presented herself to Jesus and found mercy. I've never looked at that particular story in any detail, so it was eye-opening to say the least! Here you have a poor woman who put herself in a position of ridicule and shame by entering a home where she was only welcome to eat off the floor. Ignoring everyone in the room, she sat at her Savior's feet, let her hair down (which was socially unacceptable) and used it to wash His feet with the tears that fell from her face. This woman had to overcome so much pain and social pressure to present herself before Jesus, but she not only fought all of her emotions and doubts, she came prepared to offer the perfume in her alabaster jar. At that time, the alabaster jar was a woman's dowry, her most precious possession. Without hesitation, she poured the contents of her jar over His feet. In that moment, she gave up her chance at having a husband, her hope and any potential for security. She gave up her future and out of her brokenness came beauty, forgiveness, eternal hope. And she was unashamed.

After dwelling on the faith and sacrifice of this nameless woman, we were challenged to use this example as a metaphor for our own life. What is in my alabaster jar? What do I hold as precious to me? What things or circumstances do I clutch while telling God, "Thanks, but I'll take care of this one."? What do I need to 'pour out' at the feet of my Savior and just let go of? Tough questions!

I think if I had an actual alabaster jar I would be able to peer in and see numerous items! Two misconceptions that I frequently get hung up on came to mind that weekend: my drive to want to "do things right" and not mess up so that I'm good enough to deserve God's blessings (There's all kinds of wrong with that!!); and fears about future circumstances turning out the way I want them to (lack of faith all over this one). When I wrote those two things down this verse immediately came to mind:

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

God wants to show Himself strong in my life, but I won't see it if I don't surrender to Him. When all I can see is my brokenness, all I can feel is pain, or my circumstances aren't at all as I would prefer; I can bring glory to God through my response to Him. One of my favorite quotes from the conference is, "The more we dive into God in hard circumstances, the more we see depths of God's heart we would never have explored otherwise." That has been true at times in my life and I want it to be true in my future, too.

There was so much to ponder from the weekend and it had such a great impact on me, as well as the other women that attended, that I wanted to share a little slice of that with you. God is worthy of my trust no matter what that means for my life. He always comes through in His time in His way and He cannot nor will not fail.

The LORD answered Moses, “Is the LORD’s arm too short? You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you.” Numbers 11:23

When I came, why was there no one? When I called, why was there no one to answer? Was my arm too short to ransom you? Do I lack the strength to rescue you? By a mere rebuke I dry up the sea, I turn rivers into a desert; their fish rot for lack of water and die of thirst. Isaiah 50:2

"Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear." Isaiah 59:1

Here's a great music video that we watched together:

Fail Us Not from Steven Andy on Vimeo.