mary-and-martha.com

In trying to be focused and goal orientated people we tend to juggle a number of balls all at the same time. I watch women who I really admire try to be the best mum, wife, employee, boss, friend and the list goes on and on. Being focused and driven often means that we have a task in front of us that we are passionately working on. For myself, when I am in the “zone” I can forget everything that is around me or even everybody that is around me because I am so caught up in what I am trying to do. Sometimes my relationship with God can become like that too. I can be so focused and driven to share the gospel and equip God’s people that I forget the reason behind what I am doing. More importantly I forget whom I am doing this all for. When Luke records the story of Mary and Martha he tells us; “But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made” Luke 10:40 (NIV). This verse stands out to me because Jesus knew that preparations needed to be made just like He knows all the things we need to do as well. The caution to Martha and to us today is “Are we becoming distracted by our preparations?” This is a question that all of us need to ask ourselves from time to time. In trying to accomplish all that God has for us have we become distracted and forgotten our amazing God, the One who loves us for who we are rather than what we do.

Sometimes when I look at the week ahead I can get overwhelmed at all that needs to get done. My mind works a little like a radio and can jump from station to station. I mentally try to plan out my week to ensure that I have spent enough time fostering relationships with family and friends and that work and ministry responsibilities are all taken care of. However sometimes in all the planning I can find my self worrying. I worry about people or situations that I need to deal with during the coming week. I need to make a conscious effort to hand my concern and worry to God. The week ahead with all it’s highs and lows are safest in the hands of Jesus.

Martha, as the eldest would have felt the responsibility of running a home and taking care of her family. Jesus tries to teach Martha how to cope with her concerns and worry. In Luke 10:41-42 we read the following, “Martha, Martha, the Lord answered, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her.” (NIV)

What is the “one thing” that is needed? It is what Mary chose, to come and sit at the feet of Jesus. We, as busy Christian women need to constantly bring our worry and concern to Jesus. We need to exchange our worry for rest and peace. This sentiment is echoed throughout the Bible, in Matthew 6:33 Jesus teaches his disciples about worry and tells them to seek first the kingdom of God and all His righteousness and everything else will be given to you as well. Here with Mary and Martha we see the practical outworking of that teaching.

Like Martha, we need to be reminded of this truth every once in a while. When we feel burdened or worried about what lies ahead we need to come back to Jesus. We need to bring it all back and offer it to Jesus and exchange it for the peace and rest that only He offers us.