Becky Crenshaw

 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone?” Luke 10:40

My mother was a very confident woman. If she was dissatisfied with ANYTHING, she was quick to let someone know about it. Mama was the customer sending her incorrect order back to the kitchen or calling a manager if her service was poor. Mom routinely double-checked bills, called the company if folly was suspect, or returned any merchandise with or without a receipt. Darlene was ah-mazing…. and a woman of great justice. She would march in just about anywhere to make sure things were set right, per her satisfaction.

Sounds a lot like someone else we know, doesn’t it? Sweet Martha. Just like my mother, she did not hesitate one iota when it came to bringing her frustration to the Lord.

Let us learn from Martha today.

At times, I have heard people say things like, “I won’t bother the Lord with that.” or “He is busy with things more important than my little problem.”

No no no no no. Darlene and Martha had no point of reference this.

Strong’s Greek Lexicon defines “approached” as ephistēmi: referring to persons coming upon one suddenly: simply.

If we have a problem, no matter how small, selfish or insignificant it may seem to others (or even ourselves) let us bring it to the Lord…. Suddenly and simply. Martha didn’t waste a second’s time overthinking this. She KNEW where to go in a moment’s need.

Martha’s boldness reminds me of the encouragement to all of us found in the book of Hebrews:

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16

This definition for “approached” is a little different. This word is proserchomai and means to “come to or draw near.”

Dare I say these two slightly different approaches to the “throne of grace” are BOTH found within the story of Mary and Martha! Yessss. Two different approaches from two very different sisters. But note, both of their coming to Him is received. Mary displaying more of a” drawing near” and Martha representing a sudden need to be heard.

And reader, there is a time for both. Sometimes we come with our hurts and frustrations in foot-stomping Darlene fashion. Crying, frustrated and simply ticked off at life.

Other times, we may approach Jesus with a tender heart, no agenda. Just needing His Presence, comfort and a living Word.

Both are perfectly fine. But point is this….. APPROACH HIM!…AND WITH CONFIDENCE.

He wants to hear you. He wants to be with you. Just as you are, stormy or serene.

He loves your Mary and your Martha just the same.

So today, Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Maybe you have a complaint. Maybe a confession. Maybe it’s a deep concern. Pour out your heart like water in His presence.

He loves you and leans in to listen.

Choosing What Is Better:

• Have you ever felt that the prayers in your heart are silly or not important enough to be brought to the Lord? Given Martha’s example of approaching Him with something as trivial as Mary not helping in the kitchen, does this encourage you to release that thinking? How so? Why did you feel reluctant?

• Grab your Bible and open it to Lamentations 2:19. What does this Scripture stir in you? Today take time to pour out your heart like water. Gush out your complaints, confession and concerns to the Lord. Free up your heart from any burden that has lodged itself in your soul. He cares about what is on your mind.