The Need To Rest
God’s love for us is beyond our wildest comprehension. As much as we attempt to understand it, we are not capable with our finite minds.
His love gives you the power to overcome every mistake, failure, and sin. “Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace” Romans 6:14.
You did nothing to deserve it and you cannot earn it. Understanding His grace gives you the freedom you desire - freedom from lack, addiction, guilt, and every type of curse. (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)
When you grasp the truth of God’s love for you and His favor on your life, you will be unshakable – UNDEVOURABLE!
You Have The Need To Rest
This realization changes you. It changes your life. It changes the way you think about yourself and your circumstances. It keeps you away from negative influences in your life. It draws you closer to your heavenly Father.
It gives you the power to say no to temptation. The more you are conscious of His love and how valuable you are to God, the more aware you become of who you are in Christ.
It is about our priorities. Are we too consumed with worry and anxiety about our finances, our health, or our family concerns that we change our focus from God and His promises to ourselves and our problems?
The Story Of Mary And Martha
Read the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38 – 42. When Jesus came to visit the sisters, Mary stayed seated at Jesus’ feet. She was enjoying His presence, beholding His glory, and hanging on to every word Jesus spoke. Martha, the older sister, was busy in the kitchen preparing the meal and making sure everything was in order.
Martha allowed the stress to build until she burst out in frustration. “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore, tell her to help me” Luke 10:40.
Martha was blaming both Mary and Jesus. His response to her is one many of us can relate to in similar circumstances.
“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” Luke 10:41-42.
WOW!
The Greatest Way To Serve God
Let’s look at the culture of that day and see why this is so impactful. In Middle Eastern culture, it was right for Mary to be in the kitchen preparing food and serving her guests. It would have been a shameful thing for her to sit at Jesus’ feet and not help Martha. But….Jesus was no ordinary guest and Mary knew that.
The greatest way to minister and serve God is to sit at His feet and draw as much as you can from Him. Mary’s actions pleased Him.
What is the ‘one thing’ that was needful? It was not to be troubled by what is happening around us but to keep our eyes, ears, and hearts focused on Him.
Mary saw Him as God veiled in flesh with a fullness to draw upon.
The Most Difficult Thing To Do
Sometimes the most difficult thing we have to do is to sit down. To rest. To take the time to bask in His presence. To draw from Him. To cease our efforts and rest solely on God’s unmerited favor toward us.
When we fail to do the one needful thing and, instead, focus on the problem at hand, we tend to worry about many things and the frustration builds.
Another illustration is found in John 12:3 – 8. Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair to prepare Him for His burial.
On resurrection morning, some women came with ointment to anoint Jesus’ body, but it was too late. They were doing the right thing – but the timing was wrong. It was too late. Our Lord has already risen.
Mary did the right thing – at the right time. This causes you to be amazingly blessed. Change your focus from the problems to resting on His promises.
Just like Peter – take your eyes off the storm and focus on Jesus. You will walk through the storm – on top of the water.
“So He said, Come. And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:29-31.