Lately, it seems that God has placed so many encouraging people in my life to speak truth and wisdom over me. My friends, new friends and old friends, have encouraged me with affirmations about what is good and real.
When Paul says, “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,” (Colossians 1:3) I think about these friends, the ones that I thank God for when I pray.
I can’t help but wonder which friends of mine genuinely thank God for me as well. Has my friendship impacted anyone for the sake of leading them into prayer to God?
The moment in Luke 10:38-42 when Mary sits at the feet of Jesus has been on my mind continually. Would I have taken the time to sit at His feet or would I have been too busy taking care of tasks that getting work done would feel more important in the presence of the King rather than taking time to admire Him.
I wonder how this moment from Mary’s life impacted her sister. Did they pray for one another, thanking God for one another, or did they resent one another because they approached Jesus differently?
Jesus addressed both of their positions in the passage, but Martha was the one that called out to Jesus in distress about what her sister was doing, not Mary.
Mary could have just as easily been distressed that her sister wasn’t taking the time to fellowship with Jesus, but her focus was on Him and she was not concerned about what everyone else was doing. Her heart was focused on Jesus and, in that moment, He was her whole world.
I know I have a tendency to be a Martha and want to do the work that’s around me when Jesus is calling me into fellowship with Himself.
Yes, there are times to work and get things done and to serve Jesus and those around you. But, when Jesus calls us to rest and be with him, we need to be willing to stop serving others for a moment and be present in the presence of God.
I’m in a busy time of life when it seems that there is no time to spare, but, because of this, I feel even more so that Jesus is calling me to slow down and remember that my ultimate purpose in life is to glorify Him and enjoy Him.
I hope to thank God for the Holy Spirit being a close friend and that being in His presence brings me the right amount of rest to allow me to serve others well.
Very encouraging Shawnee! I am such a Martha myself, I needed to hear this……thank you for sharing
Shawnee this is very touching and ensightful, reflecting the special gift you have received and continue to share with others. I am so thankful for our friendship.