One Thing!

As Martha was preparing a very special meal, she saw that Mary was not helping her make the most important meal of her life. Troubled and irritable, she said to Jesus “Lord doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” Luke 10:40

I can empathize with Martha. I would probably feel the same way if Jesus himself was coming to my house for dinner and no one was there to help me prepare for such an occasion. Talk about stress! But what’s amazing is Jesus response to Martha, let’s take a look at what he said to her in verse 41 & 42 “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only ONE THING worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

In life Jesus said there will be times that will be troubling. Times that can, if we allow them, to cause us to be overwhelmed with worry, anxiousness and stress. Times when it seems life will seem unfair. And by Jesus response to Martha, shows us that we do not have to fall victim of such troublesome times. In fact, he simply said to Martha that instead of being stressed out about life, Mary decided to sit at Jesus feet and listen to his words. Words of life, words of comfort. Words filled with wisdom that produces Peace in our lives.

The good news is that when we “choose” that “One Thing” as Jesus said in Luke 10, our choice will open the door to a shelter that only God can provide. Shelter from every storm in life that comes our way, “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. BUT anyone who HEARS my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” Mathew 7:24-26 nlt

Because we live in Florida, we have experienced many hurricanes but none of them have touched us or brought harm to our family, why? Because we were protected by “shelter” Our home kept us safe from the elements. God’s word is “shelter” and it will protect us from anything that comes our way. But we must take the time to “Hear” His words, and not just on Sundays. One sermon a week is not enough. It is so very important to take some time each day to read the words of Jesus. His words will shelter us from any unforgiveness that tries to creep into our lives, God’s very words will help us overcome any pain inflicted by those we love and know. If our financial situation is not what we’d like it to be we can hear Gods words and do what He says. His promises and faith in his promises will help us to tap into God’s amazing provision, our hope in His words will bring comfort and peace. If we need healing for our bodies, we have God’s promises that teach us that it is God’s will for us to live a healthy life. Rehearsing Jesus words and God’s promises helps us to face and overcome any obstacles that come our way. That is why it is so important to follow Mary’s example by taking the time to sit at Jesus feet. How? Open your Bibles and read his words of life, hope, encouragement and faith.

“So then Faith (hope, peace encouragement) comes (increases) by hearing and hearing by the word of God” Romans 10:17