Grace to Grow: Release Anxiety and Find PurposeSample

The One Thing

I imagined that Martha frantically whirled around the house. The distant crowd shouted Jesus’ name as the Lord entered her little village of Bethany. Jesus and his disciples would be arriving any minute at the home she shared with her siblings, Lazarus and Mary.

Martha wasn’t inside while Jesus shared stories that filled the room with laughter and awe. She was out by the fire preparing dinner. Martha longed to hear about Jesus’ miracles, too, but someone had to make the food. She looked to delegate some of the responsibilities. But wait. Where was Mary? Peering in the window, Martha gasped when her eyes landed on her sister. Was she audacious enough to sit at the feet of the rabbi? Why wasn’t she helping?

Martha was furious and wanted to burst through the door and make a scene. Not wanting Jesus to think poorly of her, she took a breath, smoothed her apron, and entered the room. “Master, is it fair that I’m doing all the cooking while Mary sits here? Please tell her to get up and do something to help me.” Martha stopped before coarse words spilled out with her emotions.

Jesus understood that culture discouraged women from being disciples, but he did not chastise Mary. Instead, he turned to Martha and said, “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” (Luke 10:41–42 NLT).

Martha often gets a bad rap for wanting to work while her sister worships. Yet, Jesus’ words put her perfectionism into perspective. The dinner, the dishes, or even the dilemma were not what was important. Mary discovered the meaning of life at Jesus’ feet. Like Martha, the details of the day may pull our focus from the purpose we were created for. It may feel like we exist for many things, but we were made for one thing: an intimate relationship with the Lord. All the other parts of life flow from our connection with God.

Let’s be with the Lord today. Chaos flees when sitting at the feet of Jesus. Intimacy with God injects joy into the rest of our day. Peace is found in the power of his presence.

Pause to Reflect

• Our primary purpose is to have a relationship with God.
• Jesus has the power to stretch minutes, resources, and abilities.
• Time with God is always productive.

Pause to Pray

Lord Jesus, I desire to be near you. I dedicate myself to spending time in your presence. Please cover the rest of my day with grace and power as I walk with you. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.