The Details. Day 8 In My Secret Place
Luke 10: 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.
If Michelle Obama showed up to your door and your home was mess, what would be most important to you in that moment? Would you ignore her company and rush to clean your house? Or would you say, “Pardon the mess,” and bask in her presence? We started the Secret Place Challenge to encourage women to remember what’s most important—being in the presence of God. Some of us, unintentionally, but with good intentions place our relationship with God on the back burner. We work so hard to create this clean slate that we forget how much God just wants to clean us in His presence.
Your actions may be similar to Martha’s. You may have a great heart and great intentions; but, you have little to no availability for God. For example, you may be serving in multiple ministries at church, but you’re so exhausted from doing so, you don’t have intentional quiet time with the Lord or you miss the message because you’re too busy setting up. Martha placed a higher priority on tasks rather than being in the very presence of Jesus.
You may not realize it now, but the details can lead to distractions. Martha was so focused on preparing the big dinner that she missed the main course. Listen, please don’t go into the new year as the girl who has everything on her plate but never gets to eat. Remember to sit down and enjoy the moment.
Allow this upcoming year to be more about the experience than it is about the details. Focus on your experience in God and with the people that matter most to you. Maybe Mary realized that the house and the food was good enough and the only thing that mattered was the guest of honor. The blessing is in the experience and with who you are blessed to share your experiences with. Don't sweat THE DETAILS. Happy New Year!
Challenge:
In Luke 10:42, Jesus states there is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her. Before you set out to do a thing make a mental note of what’s most important. So, even when the details don’t pan out as you would have liked, you will still have experienced the best part.
If you’re getting married, don’t get so caught up on the details of the wedding that you miss out on the experience.
If you’re on your way to church, don’t get so caught up on the details of your outfit that you arrive late.
If you’re starting a business, don’t get so caught up in the details that you never launch.
Keep a secret place and be intentional about your spiritual development.
This concludes our Secret Place Challenge. We are so thankful for each and everyone of you who participated on this journey. We pray God’s favor over your life. If you hit a rough patch always remember to go to your secret place.
Lastly, we invite you to join us at our first TEA Party of 2019 on January 26th. Our focus for the month of January is Rising in Spiritual Discipline. Our featured speakers will be Christen F. Oneal, Dr. Estrelita Bruce, and Robert L. Wagner. Register here.
Love, peace, and TEA!!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!