Martha was a very busy person. She loved to entertain. Whenever Jesus visited Bethany, He would stay with her and her sister Mary and their brother Lazarus. While Mary sat at Jesus' feet absorbed in His teaching, Martha would busy herself in the kitchen. One day during Jesus' visit, Martha became annoyed at what she felt was Mary's lack of consideration by leaving her to do all the work. Martha marched into the living-room where Mary was in her customary position, soaking up Jesus' words. This time, not only was she cross with Mary, she berated Jesus for not sending Mary to help her prepare the meal! She said, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work alone? Tell her to come and help me" (Luke 10: 40).
How many times do we blame God when things don't go our way? Lord, You can change my husband, but you won't. Lord, You can make my children behave the way I want them to, but You won't. Lord, You can do this or that. Yes, He can, but what does He say to Martha? "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things. But one thing is needed: Mary has chosen the better part and it shall not be taken from her" (v 41 - 42).
Mary has chosen the better part. He didn't say that what Martha was doing wasn't good. She was using her gift of hospitality. But Mary had chosen the better part, which is to get close to Jesus. Keep your eyes on Him. Cast your burdens on Him. As He says in Matthew 11 : 29, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
So, the next time you are tempted to complain or blame God for your troubles, why not do as Mary did? Choose the better part, and you'll find rest for both body and soul. You can learn more about Mary, Martha and other women of the Bible when you purchase a copy of my book Women For All Seasons from Amazon or from Barnes & Noble.com.
Here are the links: http://www.amazon.com/Women-All-Seasons http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/women-for-all-seasons?keyword=women+for+all+seasons&store=book
