Stressful situations are a part of life. That's just the way it is. No matter who we are or where we live, stress will eventually find us at some point. Stress can also come in a variety of ways. It can arrive at home, work, school, or even in combination with of all of the above. No matter, stress is stress!
What would you do if Jesus Christ himself, came over to your house? I think this would certainly qualify for a stressful situation! This is what exactly occurred to the two sisters of Lazarus, Martha and Mary, in Luke 10: 38-40. This particular incident provides us with an interesting lesson in how to cope with a stressful circumstance.
Upon Jesus' arrival in Bethany, Martha invited him to her home. As any good hostess knows, this means preparing for the guest and making sure everything is just so. While she was busily getting dinner ready, it suddenly dawned on her that her sister Mary was not there helping out. It was at this point that she probably went out into the room where Jesus seated and found her sister, at his feet.
In Luke 10:40, she walked up to her sister and Jesus then blurted out, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” Martha was hoping that he would sympathize with her and maybe ask Mary to help in the kitchen. Keep in mind, Martha was feeling the strain of this impromptu dinner party. She had been counting on Mary's help, at the very least.
Jesus did respond, however, but not in the way that she was expecting or hoping I am sure. Make no mistake, he was quite aware of how stressed Martha was. He knew precisely how she felt, just as he knows when we too are saddled with stress or are surrounded by worry.
As Jesus was very good at doing, he put this all into perspective for Martha in order that she not only really saw the big picture, but that she would learn something from it, as well. His response to her was perfect (Luke 10: 41-42). There are two distinct pictures of how to handle stress worth examining here.
On one hand, we have Martha who is obviously stressed out. But, she has it all wrong. She is letting "worldly business" get the best of her; distracting her from what was truly important here: Jesus. This becomes clear when he tells her,"few things are needed—or indeed only one." It is hard to see otherwise when wrestling with stress.
Then there's her sister, Mary. While her sister has been carried away by her concern over dinner, she has been with Jesus, hearing what he had to say. In a way, you could say that she was distracted, too. But in her case, it was a good thing. After all, what's more important giving your full attention to the Lord himself?
Negative experiences can't be avoided. They may strike at anytime. Our job, as difficult as it might sometimes be, is to focus on the positive like Mary did. She knew what she was doing. She had her priorities in order. Her sister Martha, was more worried about burning dinner than honoring Christ, who was right there...in person...in her very own home!
I won't argue that it's important to be responsible and dedicated to what needs to be done in our earthly endeavors, but they shouldn't take precedent over our responsibility and dedication to Jesus Christ. He should always be at the top of the list!
Scripture: Philippians 4:6; John 14:27; Proverbs 12:25; Matthew 6:27; Luke 6:48
Prayer: Holy Father, Through You I am strengthened knowing that all things work together for good for those of us who love You. Amen
May God bless you!
Charlene
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