A springtime chill permeated predawn hours. I stumbled to a quiet place to awake and prepare for the day ahead. A devotional began with God saying, “Trust Me, do not be afraid. Many things seem out of control, but not to Me. When you are shaken, grasp My hand and look for the challenge, the chance to grow.” With an ominous foreshadowing of what may stand in my way, I rubbed sleepy eyes and set my shoulders for the heavy load.
Self-laid plans and expected victories quickly changed course leading me into uncharted waters. A day of trimming sails and battling crashing waves left me battered, realizing that I had not set my anchor deep enough. Finding safe harbor, I sought out a soft place to close weary eyes and breathe in the quiet of peaceful rest.
Awakened from my slumber by disturbing sounds of panic, I wondered how it may affect the ones I love and those I do not know, whom I should have more compassion for. Of the growing litany of concerns I carry, I have lately failed to place them at the feet of the Almighty, the One who is really in control. Why do I struggle to carry these burdens when help is just a prayer away? As I decidedly broke through my apathy and approached the throne of Grace, my laundry list of worry grew longer with each thought, one prayer forward and two prayers back. In the midst of my rambling, a voice echoed:
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better.” Luke 10:41-42
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
Confidence in knowing God is in control can lull my prayer life into numbness. Is praying, “Thy will be done” enough? We are taught to be persistent in prayer, but is it a lack of faith to keep asking for the same thing when we do not get an answer (or the answer we want)? Can persistent prayer change God’s mind or the timing of His will? Perhaps. God loves His children, so who am I to question whether He would move mountains for us? A doctor told me that taking vitamins could be beneficial as the body will absorb what it needs and discard the rest. In the same way, prayers that already have answers need not be answered again (unless I did not listen the first time). Even in repetitive prayers, we honor God by acknowledging that He alone can answer them. I have found that devotional time, though it may seem fruitless, opens my mind to the voice of God, for something He needs me to hear.
We all have “Martha Moments” scurrying about, laboring and trying to please others. However, we must balance “Martha Moments” with “Mary Moments”, sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening to Him speak.
Choosing my “Moments” carefully
And Blessed in Great Measure
