Devotional shared by Christine at ADK meeting 5/17/18

Based on a devotion from Julie Clinton’s Extraordinary Women series…titled Making a Difference; I am calling my adaptation A Tale of Two Sisters.

In Luke, Chapter 10, we encounter two sisters—Martha and Mary.  Now get this picture in your mind: Martha, scurrying around the house—cooking, cleaning, getting everything ready for her guests. Mary, sitting calmly at Jesus’ feet. Listening to his every word. Just as I would have done (and I DO see Martha’s point of view on this), Martha complained that her sister wasn’t doing anything.

The Lord replied to Martha, “Martha, Martha…you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better.”

Do YOU ever feel like Martha? As you rush through your day, do you ever hear the Lord say to you, “Sarah, Sarah…. Or Janice, Janice….”?

What is that one thing that Jesus spoke of? Being with Him. Sitting. Listening. Resting. What does it means to serve others out of a heart like Mary?  The focus here is that we are who we spend time with, and we draw our strength from those whom we spend time with on a regular basis.

As we follow Jesus, we gradually absorb his values and his heart for people. Slowly, he transforms our hearts so that we care about the things he cares about: the lost, the hurting, the old, and the young. We realized that we’re his now: We’re not our own; we’ve been bought with a price. As his children, he has given us the unspeakable privilege of making a difference in the lives of those around us.

 We aren’t on earth to “sit, soak, and sour.” God wants to use us as his hands to touch people, his feet to meet them where they live, and his mouth to speak words of grace and truth wherever we go. Sometimes, though, you and I became a slave of doing...like Martha.

We can’t say no. We can’t stop. We’re caught in a crazy schedule of serving, but we never stop to actually be with Jesus. This kind of lifestyle robs our souls of nourishment, and eventually leads to burnout.

On the other hand, some of us indulge ourselves in every possible pleasure that money can buy. We’re addicted to the “cult of the next thing.” But selfish pursuits always leave us wanting more because, sooner or later, they make us feel even emptier. This extreme isn’t right either, and it definitely was not Mary’s attitude. Her heart to serve was an overflow of being with Jesus.

Are you up for God using you in big and small ways? Paul tells us that God has equipped us for that purpose. It’s crazy to think how God intricately orchestrates the intersection of others’ needs and our abilities to shape their lives. It’s not an accident—it’s God’s divine design. I bet you have seen this happen in your life.

But remember this: YOU can’t do everything. You are one person living in a world full of hurting, needy people. That’s hard to accept, sometimes…especially when our hearts ache for other people. But that’s where we desperately need God’s wisdom to know when to say “yes” and when to say “no.” And where do we get that wisdom? From sitting at Jesus’ feet, just like Mary did.

God put each of us together uniquely. Some of us are servants. Some of us can move hearts by speaking God’s word. And some of us can organize any event. And He did all of this so we can serve him:  Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Interesting! This sounds like Martha.  But how do we know WHAT to do? By spending time with our Savior!

We need to be careful about the others that we spend time with, also.  That’s what makes it so wonderful to be a part of Alpha Delta Kappa and to spend time with our Alpha Delta Kappa sisters.  And because we are who we spend time with, what better people to surround ourselves with than exceptional women educators with a heart for altruism and meeting the needs of others!

So, Sisters: Which sister from this Tale of Two Sisters do you tend to be more like—Martha or Mary?

If you’re like Mary, how can you begin to put your faith into action?

 If you’re like Martha, how can you begin today to sit at Jesus’ feet, rather than just working for him?

Some of us can get so busy serving that we’re on the edge of burnout. We lose our delight in being with God, just like the story of Martha. If you’re doing too much, stop. Redirect your focus and bask in God’s love for you. If you’re still frazzled, take a break for a while to recharge and regroup. (And don’t feel guilty! Rest is biblical.) When you’re ready, you can come back with passion and energy, rather than living in survival mode.

And don’t worry: God’s work isn’t completely dependent on YOU; in fact, God may tap some other women on the shoulder to serve while you’re taking a break.

 God’s task of reaching the world and caring for all the hurting people is far from done, but if you try to serve in your own energy, you won’t get far. So begin today (and every day) sitting as Jesus’ feet, so you can gain his perspective and know where to invest your time and energy to make a difference in your world. And in this world, surround yourself with other women who will serve along side you and give you the strength and support you need!

LET US PRAY: Lord, give us wisdom to know when to serve, and when to say “no” and just sit at your feet. Thank you for the privilege of being used by you-- in your will and through your power—to make a difference.  In Jesus’ name, Amen!