Mary and Martha

God reveals my struggle. I am both Mary and Martha

June 14

Most of us know the story of Mary and Martha. Mary is sitting at the feet of Jesus. Soaking in every word, every sigh. I picture her with her head resting on His knees, blissfully unaware of anything but Him. For her, The whole world has stopped and only Jesus matters.

Martha, on the other hand, is so excited to have Jesus at her house for dinner, she can’t wait to bless Him with a good meal and hospitality. Because Jesus is here at her house the crowds are starting to come. She doesn’t want to turn people away, she wants to be a great hostess for Jesus and His followers. She gets busy. Making plans for all that needs to be accomplished to provide for such an event. She just wants it to be perfect! She loves Jesus so much that nothing less will do.

As I read this story again today, God reveals my struggle. I am both Mary and Martha. I am like Mary who just wants to sit at His feet. I want to surrender my life to Him, I want to be so filled with the Holy Spirit that His power and love will flow in and through me. But I still struggle with being like Martha and trying to prove my love for Him and prove myself worthy. It is too easy for me to be task-oriented, striving, and carrying a burden that is not mine to carry. Then He brings me back to Rest. Choose what is best and sit at His feet in loving adoration.