38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:38-42
Dear God, it’s easy for all of us to compare our work to other people’s. And it’s easy for us to feel sorry for ourselves. I want to think about how much harder I work than this person or that person. But there are two flaws in that. First, there’s always someone out there working harder than me, so I need to be careful how much I should be throwing stones. Second, you taught me to work as unto you. You’re the reason I’m here this morning, praying through typing. I’m not trying to outperform anyone and earn your favor more than you might give it to someone else. I’m here because I need you. I’m here because you are forming me every day, little by little, through these prayers.
Yeah, I look at Martha here, and I want to condemn her, but am I not like her too?
Father, help me to simply work as unto you today. Help me to lead. Lead me as I lead. You know the specific needs my organization has right now. Help us to meet them. Help us to know our path forward. You know who is struggling right now with personal issues. Help them to find your path for them. Of course, you know my family. Those who are most precious to me. Heal. Love. Hold them close. Draw them into yourself. And be with my wife today as she teaches her Bible study and records her podcast.
I pray this in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,
Amen
