We hear so much praise on the “answered prayers” that often it becomes discouraging for those who are still in the midst of “the waiting period.”  It tends to swell up feelings or questions inside our spirit that make us doubt Gods love for us.

Does He love some people more than others?

Does He answer “yes” for a chosen few and “no” for the rest of us?

Does He want some of us to always struggle and have it hard?

Or is it that the ones of us that have it the hardest have such a calling on their lives that they are the most attacked?

I was lead to the story of Mary and Martha.  (Luke 10:38-42) As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed them into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lords feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Martha always gets the tough end of the deal. First of all, she is the one who invited Jesus into her home. Since she was the oldest, she probably was used to being in control. She worried about details and wished to please, serve, and to do the right thing. Seriously…..if Jesus were coming to your house how would you respond? You wouldn’t leave clothes in the floor or dishes in the sink. I’m sure she was polishing the silver, wiping the walls, knocking down cobwebs, and anything else that caught her eye. She wanted the best for Him. She worked hard to please Him and still it didn’t appear to be enough!!

Now, here was her younger sister Mary, who probably was a spoiled brat and got everything she wanted. She did none of the work and she was the one sitting at the feet of Jesus, relaxing, listening to His teachings!!

Doesn’t sound fair does it? Mary didn’t invite Jesus, she didn’t prepare the meal, set the table, or probably even clean up afterwards!! Yet she was reaping all the benefits. Martha, by all rights, felt frustrated. Her frustration was so intense that she finally asked Jesus to settle the matter. I’m sure if she went to Jesus himself to settle it that she didn’t expect for Him to correct her! She must have felt like her work and her feelings were truly justified.

She is most likely feeling embarrassed because she even bothered going to Jesus, feeling unloved, unworthy, taken advantage of, and just plain ole discouraged. She thought she’d done all the right things yet didn’t seem to be appreciated.

I’m sure her baby sister tortured her after that day letting her know how “unimportant” helping her was. Martha was probably left feeling like some people are made to do the work, and some are made to reap the benefits. All she knew was SOMEBODY HAD TO DO IT……believing it was just her fate to have it hard and take care of everyone.

Being gifted with a leadership personality, she probably continued to serve in her home and community after Jesus left, doing what she did best. Working and entertaining people in her home. In those days it was a social requirement in their culture. It was considered shameful to turn anyone away from your door. Most likely she also carried a scar of humility and a touch of anger, but continued showing hospitality with fine detail to try and prove her importance.

Since she was the oldest, she probably carried most of the burdens for her siblings, praying for them and keeping family unity. She was probably the one everyone went to with their problems because she was “the strong one” and the most trusted. Yet under the surface, the kindest, and most sensitive. Only longing to feel loved and important.

By her family.

By Jesus.

By everyone.

Why did it always seem so hard? Nothing was ever made easy for Martha!! The harder she worked, the more that was expected! She was trying to do the right things but wasn’t willing to let go of her control.

Martha and Mary both loved Jesus.

Jesus loved both Martha and Mary.

On this occasion they were both serving Him. But Martha thought Mary’s style of serving was inferior to hers. Jesus didn’t blame Martha for being concerned about her chores, He was only asking her to make Him her top priority!! Life can degenerate into mere busywork that is totally devoid of devotion to God. Our focus can veer off track and become targeted on our children, our spouse, our ministries, and even ourselves.

Those things are to be made a priority, but not our main focus. We tend to get so wrapped up in doing the best we can, that we forget we can’t.

We can’t do anything without Him!

Today if your feeling tired, alone, used up, and just plain ole discouraged like Martha, rest assured that God has a plan for His delay.

Waiting periods do come to an end…..Your name will be called.

Maybe Gods waiting on you…..To release control of any and everything in your life that’s hindering your relationship with Him.

Choose today to allow God to be your guide, moment by moment, step by step. Isaiah 58:11~The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. 

Walking in His Love……

Putting Him first. Matthew 6:33~But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Knowing He has a purpose. Exodus 9:16~But indeed for this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.