I was challenged earlier today by an email a dear friend of mine sent asking for prayer as she follows through with a difficult decision she had made in the wee hours of the morning. She is following the prompting of the Holy Spirit to properly align her priorities. As I read her heart message, all I could think about was the story in Luke 10, telling of when Jesus went to the home of Martha. The words straight from Jesus Himself as He spoke to Martha when she asked Him to send Mary away from Him so that she could help with the work, "Martha, Martha, you are worried about many things...Mary has chosen what is right and it will not be taken from her." I could hear those words in my head, but before I typed them out to send to my friend, I wanted to make sure I was remembering them correctly. To my delightful surprise (I LOVE it when the Lord surprises me!), there was a phrase that I had omitted from the conversation. Jesus said, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
How quickly I forget...Jesus. He is necessary. Our complete devotion and attention is to be fixed on Him. Truth is, all other things fall into place when He is in His rightful place. Just as Martha, we are distracted by many things...even good things...family things, church things, fun things. Our desire to please the Lord can sometimes turn into "stuff" that simply makes us busy and distracts us from the very thing He has called and equipped us for..."Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts." Isaiah 26:8. His name and renown...that is to be our desire. He is necessary.
The Lord has used my friend to bring fresh resolve into my life. My heart cry is that when I begin to allow the things of this world...even the good things of ministry...to consume me, the Holy Spirit will quicken my heart, open my eyes and remind me of what's necessary. Him and Him alone. One thing is necessary...may we choose the good portion, that it not be taken from us.
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