Life Is Full of Choices
By Jill Beran
’Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed - or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42 NIV
Frustration set in, selfish thoughts entered my mind and the comparison game began. As the pity party was underway, my husband asked for help… the thing I felt I needed, even deserved, but lacked.
I knew what I should do and understood how a Godly woman would respond, but I chose NOT to do what was right.
Shortly after I recalled a familiar verse. Luke 10:41-42 came to mind and it was as if I could hear Jesus saying, “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed - or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Jesus was referring to the choice Mary made in regards to using her time, but God was whispering to me about putting others first.
I had been focused on myself and my needs when the better choice would have been to put others, be it my husband, children, co-workers or a stranger at the store, first. It is best to put God’s will in front of mine, to love Jesus more than man and to treat others the way I long to be treated.
Recognizing this truth took away the frustration I felt with my husband, but left me upset with myself. And God quickly spoke to my heart and reminded me to again choose what was better.
I was choosing to dwell on my mistakes, when it’s better to receive His forgiveness. I needed to let go of my focus on self and chose to embrace God’s great plan. The choice to embrace my identity in Christ always trumps the thoughts I have about myself.
In the end, we must decide to tune out the lies and choose to listen to the Voice of Truth. And then make the choice to do what our Father suggests and believe what He says!
What choices are you facing today? Ask God to show you what they are and then pray for wisdom to make the BEST one!
Dear Heavenly Father, Lord life is full of choices and we long to make the right one. Your Word tells us if we lack wisdom, we only need to ask, so we come to You now and pray You will fill us with it! Father we also ask You to help us remain humble so that we can do what you suggest. Whether the choice is big or small, we know they are all important to You, so lead us to choose what is best! In Jesus’ Precious and Powerful Name, Amen.
© 2019 by Jill Beran. All rights reserved.
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Originally published Friday, 19 January 2024.