By: Chloe Grabeman
We all know the story of Mary and Martha – Miss disciplined and Miss distracted.
I know this story isn’t a contest and don’t get me wrong, I love Mary’s example, but I am a competitive person and love a good underdog story! So, in the spirit of the underdog, I thought we would look at Martha from a different angle – namely prayerfully inviting God into our busyness.
The Bible shows us countless times that prayer, rest, and peace are bound in a tightly woven chord. These times in God’s presence are one of the greatest gifts we receive, but what happens when life picks up at full speed? When your presence is 100% necessary and sleep is no longer a guarantee?
This is where we fall into the misconceptions of Martha and the misunderstanding of Mary.
Because of Mary’s example, though it is beautiful and true, it can subconsciously cause us to fall into a lie that God is only interested in time with us when we have time to sit at his feet. That his promises and plans are only available to us when the to-do list is blank.
But when is real life like that? And how cruel and picky would God be if this were true?
So, I offer you today a different perspective from one who learned from experience. Martha’s busybody was creating a rift between her and Christ.
But what I admire about Martha is her transformation. She so clearly exemplifies us. Martha goes from a stressed-out people pleaser and resentful sister to a trustworthy follower despite her circumstance.
How?
She learns to invite Christ into her busyness.
When Jesus finally comes after Lazarus has died, Martha meets him and states:
“Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. BUT even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” John 11: 21-22.
No longer, “are you going to do anything Lord?!” But rather, “I don’t know how you are going to redeem this Lord, but I trust you are good.”
Martha’s life hadn’t gotten any less chaotic from her kitchen scene. If anything, it had been flipped upside down but her presence was still necessary and sleep was still not a guarantee. Martha learned that Christ’s presence, promises, and plans for her are not dependent on her current availability. That the chord of prayer, peace, and rest was not broken when her prayers were made in the thick of stressful circumstances.
This practice of inviting God into your moments of stress, realizing that he isn’t offended by your needs or busy season is an offering that is pleasing to him for he delights in showing his power in your weakness.
You are still as worthy and deserving of his presence in chaotic seasons. Don’t buy into the lie that having a “Martha spirit” is really a curse in disguise. Rather, learn to invite Christ into your mundane moments. He will renew your strength and equip you with peace.
Playlist:
Find Me – Jonathan David Helser
Empty My Soul – Jonathan David Helser
Holding My World – Kristian Stanfill
Peace Song – Kye Kye
Check them out on the Real and True Playlist on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/user/128815512/playlist/3YfqgeMjEUj7ZB8ydKd5qL
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