Know when to Run and when to Sit
Posted August 9th, 2010 by Ben ComerScripture
John 11:20 As soon as Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet Him. But Mary remained seated in the house.
Observation
In another story about Jesus visiting this family, Martha is often blasted for being too busy rather than sitting at Jesus’ feet like her sister Mary. In this story Martha’s brother Lazarus is dead. Martha acts instantly once she hears that Jesus is on the way to their house. Martha waited until she knew that Jesus was on his way. The old Martha might have went out searching for Jesus as soon as Lazarus became sick. Instead Martha did not get ahead of God’s plan, but waited to follow Jesus’ lead. I have never seen this growth in Martha’s life until today.
Application
I have often been convicted of always focusing on doing rather than sitting at Jesus feet as the first story of Martha and Mary describes. Finally I get a little slack for being a doer in this story. Martha has reminded me the proper formula to acting within God’s plan. First I have to wait for Jesus to move. If I try to force God’s into acton before it is time, then it will end badly for me. Action is essential, but I can not get ahead of God’s plan and just act on my own. The second key is once you know Jesus is moving on your behalf, then run to join Him. I do not have to sit at Jesus’ feet all the time to receive His blessing, I just have to always be following His lead.
Prayer
God thank You so much for allowing me the freedom to be the person that You created me to be. I can be full of action most all the time just as long as I know I am serving right beside You. Help me to see Your hand at work all day long and work right beside You!!!
Great word Pastor Ben! In my own life, I’ve had to learn some “doing” lessons the hard way as well as learn how to listen for the Lord’s direction before “just doing”. However, I have also learned that I’m free to “run” and “do” to the best of my abilities when the Lord has given me His approval and His direction. I’ve also learned that it takes His courage to move and do once He says to go because the things He wants to do are so much bigger than the things I can do on my own. Raising Lazarus from the dead was so much bigger than Martha, but she didn’t let it stop her from running to Jesus anyway. I believe that she knew in her heart that with men it was impossible, but with God all things are possible. Have a blessed week mighty man of God and run with perseverance the race of faith that God has set before you! I love you! Gary B.