.....................................................................................................................................
Martha Got It Right
“But Martha was distracted by all the
preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you
care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help
me!’” Luke 10:40 (NIV)
Maybe it’s
because apparently, we both like to cook, but whenever I read today’s key
verse, I secretly want to stick up for Martha.
I mean, that
was a lot of people in their house. Everyone was bound to get hungry
some time.
And parties for
50 don’t set themselves, even when Jesus is around.
But lately,
I’ve realized why I truly admire Martha.
Even in her
frustration, she got it right. Did you notice what she did not do
when she became disappointed with her sister?
Based on what
we see in Luke 10, she didn’t spend the rest of the day pouting, forcing
everyone around her to guess why she was in such a bad mood.
She didn’t
suffer through the day and then call and complain to another friend about how
“no one ever appreciates her.”
And, she didn’t
pull Mary aside and throw a temper tantrum as soon as the door closed on the
last guest.
Sad to say,
I’ve done all of the above.
Instead, she
takes her frustration directly to Jesus.
Remember, she
could have stifled her feelings with that old Jesus-must-have-better-things-to-do-than-listen-to-me-whine
excuse.
How many times have I said to myself, “Look, believers
all over the world are dying for the faith. How can I really expect Jesus to
care that I feel slighted because my family didn’t fawn all over my dessert?”
Instead, Martha
has enough confidence and faith in her Lord to interrupt the Bible study. She
trusts Jesus won’t dismiss or embarrass her.
Whatever insult
she feels at the time, her faith is strong enough to bring the hurt to Jesus.
“But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to
be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has
left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’” (Luke 10:40)
As always,
Jesus does not disappoint. He stops the entire meeting to say the very words
that heal Martha's heart.
He doesn’t
shame her for interrupting or make her feel small because her need isn’t as big
as saving a dying child or healing a crippling, lifelong disease.
Instead, He
agrees with her.
Yes, she’s
worried and distracted about many things. But He reminds her only one thing is
needed now.
Focus on what’s
most important, and the other worries will fall into perspective. Even her
seemingly tiny problem is enough for Jesus to care about.
While most of
us read this passage and remind ourselves to be more like Mary, Martha is still
my hero.
I’ll never be
as naturally in the moment and easy-going as Mary; I’m not sure I was created
to be. My temperament is too focused, too driven.
But … I can be
a Martha who knows when to put down the schedule and the to-do list and simply
ask Jesus for help.
Lord, some days, the rocks that weigh me down aren’t big
heartbreaks, but too many pebbles of disappointment and distraction. I’m afraid
to bring them to You because they feel so insignificant.
But Your Word tells me to call on You whenever I’m weak and
heavy-burdened, no matter the reason.
So today, I ask for the courage to bring all my frustrations to
You, big and small. I trust that You love me enough to take all my worries
seriously and heal my heart.
Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
TRUTH FOR TODAY
Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and
burdened, and I will give you rest.” (NIV)
Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his
righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (NIV)
REFLECT AND RESPOND
What are some
burdens that feel too small to take to Jesus right now? How can you make a
habit of praying over all your frustrations?
Martha didn’t
mind interrupting a group or her work to talk to Jesus. What can you do to
start praying to Jesus whenever you need, no matter what’s going on?
How does
today’s devotion resonate with you? Are you more of a Mary or a Martha? Join the conversation —
we’d love to hear from you!
RELATED RESOURCES
Are you a writer? Maybe you've thought about writing, but don't
know where to begin. Join COMPEL and find everything you need (advice,
instruction, community and more!) to write words that matter. Registration
opens September 23, but get on the waitlist now, and be the first to know when
you can sign up! Click here to
learn more.
CONNECT
Would you love to write words that move people — whether it’s a
blog post or just an encouraging note to a friend? Be inspired, and follow @CompelTraining on Instagram
today!
Proverbs
31 Ministries
is a non-denominational, non-profit Christian ministry that seeks to lead women
into a personal relationship with Christ. With Proverbs 31:10-31 as a guide,
Proverbs 31 Ministries reaches women in the middle of their busy days through
free devotions, podcasts, speaking events, conferences, resources, online Bible
studies, and training in the call to write, speak and lead others. We are real
women offering real-life solutions to those striving to maintain life’s
balance, in spite of today’s hectic pace and cultural pull away from godly
principles. Wherever a woman may be on her spiritual journey, Proverbs 31
Ministries exists to be a trusted friend who understands the challenges she
faces, walks by her side, encouraging her as she walks toward the heart of God.
No comments:
Post a Comment