Scripture

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.

~Romans 5:3, NLT

Quote

Life is a series of tests and the final exam is death.

~Oswald Chambers

James the brother of our LORD said, Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. How many of you are rejoicing over your problems today? The one thing I can say for Jack is that he is consistent: he consistently fails this joy test every time. I don’t remember ever rejoicing over a problem. I complained about the discomfort of my swollen eyes yesterday: it never occurred to me that I should be rejoicing. After posting the blog yesterday and doing my devotions, I began thinking once again of myself and Martha. I am not picking on Martha; I am confessing our likeness.

Let’s give Martha credit–she had a problem and she carried it to Jesus. Hey, that is me; when I have a problem I carry it to Jesus. I love to pray and I am not hesitant to talk to Jesus about my problems. The problem in Martha’s case is that SHE WAS THE PROBLEM. She goest to Jesus to complain about Mary and her lack of energy in helping in the kitchen but as it turns out, Mary is doing exactly what Jesus wants. Of course Martha does not realize that what Jesus wants at this time is a sympathetic ear and her undivided attention. She and her attitude was the problem and yet she didn’t know that she was the problem. She was fully convinced that Mary was the problem. Whose fault is it that I do not rejoice when problems come? I could blame it all on those who caused the problem but the real problem is my response. Martha was bent out of shape because was blaming Mary and Jesus for her problem. Martha needed to cut the stove off, play the Happy Song on YouTube and go join Jesus and Mary in the den. All these things are easy enough for a Mary but they are very difficult for a Martha. We Type-A personalities always have an agenda; we have things to do, things that must get done. How many things on our agenda are necessary? How many of them have eternal significance?

Extra

I promise not to pick on Martha tomorrow. August is about gone and Labor Day is just around the corner. I may as well go ahead and wish you a Merry Christmas because once Labor Day gets here, the rest of the year is a blur. I hope you have a great day and thanks for reading the blog.