Many times I have been asked about what I have taken away
from my time spent overseas. Although there are many answers to that question,
one of the most important things is a new perspective. The way I think has
changed in relation to my perception of God, people, need, love, and wealth as
I have come to experience more of the world.
A better question is what exactly that new perspective is?
How do I explain to others that my eyes don't see situations in the same light
that they used to? How can I teach someone to have "new eyes"?
Although I am not sure that perspective can be taught, I do
know that it has had a huge impact on me. As a Daughter of God, there is no
circumstance that I face alone. God is present in every situation. That is
something that we know, but what is challenging is being able to articulate
where God is. To have the eyes that are able to see God's presence.
Where is God in poverty? Where is God in hunger and pain?
Where is God in the dark and lonely places?
These may all be things that God did not create, cause, or
intend for His people, but when the things of this earth attack you - God is
there.
In one of the slums that we have been working in there is a
strip of government land along the beach that had been illegally settled by
many impoverished people including 4,000 active sex workers. These people live
in shacks without water, electricity, or sewage. For five years now, the
government had been warning these people that they were going to come and
bulldoze the area. That same warning has been given on numerous more occasions
but the people didn't leave because most of them literally had no other place
to go.
Yesterday, the government followed through with their
promise and armed service men walked the streets as bulldozers destroyed these
people's homes.
Regardless of the politics of the situation, many people had
to watch as everything that they owned, as little as it may have been, was
demolished.
It would be easy, but also foolish, to think that God has
forgotten these people. So often, we think God is accountable to us and that He
is obligated to make sure our lives comfortable. In reality, God isn't as
concerned with our comfort as He is with the things in our hearts.
What I can see now, is that every situation of brokenness is
simply another opportunity for God to be glorified. He never stops being good.
When we are lost and confused, it is God who meets us. When
we are weak and tattered, it is God who carries us. He is in the redemption,
restoration, and renewal. And even before that, He is in the cracks holding the
pieces together. He is in the smiles that breech sullen faces.
He is: goodness; faithfulness; gentleness; might; holiness;
majesty; truth; love; kindness; peace.
He doesn't change.
If you need new eyes to see God where He is, then ask Him
for them. Although He reveals things in His timing, He wants you to know Him.
He wants to speak with you even more than you want to hear from Him.
Press in to His presence. Praise and worship Him with all you have and
in all situations. Allow your eyes to be renewed.
(This is our back yard in India, in the distance you can see that start of the Jungle)
India is a country of moving parts and contradictions, both in the streets, the weather and the many religions. Like many places around the world, the transportation system here looks different from what it does in the United States: horns blare continuously; busses are jam packed with people pushing their way on and off; bicycles, rickshaws, and motorcycles dodge dump trucks; pedestrians cross at their leisure The weather here is like a roller coaster that drops into the Indian Ocean every two hours and climbs back up to overcast skies. As far as religion goes, five different persons of the same claimed religion would tell you that their faith is something radically different than the other four.
As I find myself in this place that is constantly changing, I become even more thankful that our God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Our God is faithful.
It is probably safe to say that most of you (my readers) who would call yourselves "Believers" would be 100% in agreement with the statement, "God is faithful." But what does that actually mean? How would knowing that God is faithful with our hearts, instead of a statement of our minds, change the way that we live?
I am no theologian, nor have I attended seminary or even a Christian school for that matter, but I think the fact that God is truly faithful changes everything. If you are living in the Spirit and in accordance with God's word than what have you to fear? Seriously-what are you afraid of?
I have had fears and worries about the future, money, grades, food, physical safety, public speaking, being lonely, illness, and failure. The fact that I am still breathing is evidence that my food, safety, and shelter have always been sufficient. Even the nights I slept next to a glassless window in a cabin when it was 25 degrees Fahrenheit in light pajamas and a sleeping bag made for 40 degree weather, my shelter was sufficient. Even when we ran out of food at training camp and I ate some stranger's leftovers, my needs were met. Even when our water filter broke, I had enough clean water to drink.
God's word says He is faithful, and He had always been faithful to me, so why would the God of all ages change now? When I live in fear then I ultimately doubt God's faithfulness even though He has proven Himself over and over. I don't want to be like the disciples that were out on the water in the storm while Jesus was sleeping. My God is the God who provides, sustains, and is worthy of my trust and praise and my life looks different because of it.
For those of you who do not know, I arrived today in Atlanta for training before I depart on a two month mission in India working with victims of human trafficking. I am incredibly excited to how God is going to use and move in India this summer.
I am one, of two leaders on a team with a total of 12 girls. Please keep the team and me in your prayers throughout the summer. Below I have included the first prayer update. Prayer requests will not be posted on this blog starting from now, so if you would be willing to be a prayer warrior for us and would like to receive email updates please send me an email at calieflynn@aol.com . There will still be blog posts made here to share how God is working throughout the summer.
Prayer Requests
Praise!: God is amazingly good! He is so faithful! Despite being a firsthand witness of His goodness I still fail to comprehend it. Praise God for His provision in prayer warriors (you!), finances, encouragement, resources, and His sovereign hand that has brought me to where I am. My trip started out with God reminding me of how good He is when my flight out of Sioux Falls was canceled due to severe weather. I was bumped to a later flight which would have left the leaders group waiting in the Atlanta airport for me to arrive for 6 hours. Not only did God get me on an earlier flight, but that flight gave me an extra hour of sleep and will put me in Atlanta 9 minutes earlier than originally planned. Only our God is that good!
Provision: As I step into this position of leadership I have been trying to make myself aware of my strengths and weaknesses. I have been asked by many of you what my greatest fears/concerns are. Honestly, at the moment they are few to non-existent. I am fully aware of my general imperfection and need for grace, but I'm not worried about it. The cool thing about our God is that He uses the "little" and "weak" people to do the big and mighty things. The abilities I lack serve as opportunities for God to display His faithfulness in provision. The coolest things I have ever done are things that I am incapable of doing and most likely couldn't repeat without God providing the ability. NEVER has God failed to provide me with what I needed, be it food, shelter, finances, knowledge, words, love, or anything else. Why would He stop now? Praise Him for His future provision this summer.
Humility: However, God's provision is not an excuse to leave my faults uncomforted. Sin is not welcome in my life and one of my specific struggles with sin is pride. Often in our culture pride is confused for authority. I want to be the best leader I can be and that means leading out of a place of humility. Please ask God to liberate me from that sin.
Wisdom: A good leader is one who is in tune with the wisdom of God. This is something I will be in constant need of as my co-leader Courtney and I make decisions for the team.
Courtney: Although we don't know each other well yet, it has been awesome to enjoy the few conversations we have been able to have. Pray that God would strengthen, encourage, and uphold her. Also, the mission field can be an isolating place; you find yourself away from your community, home church, and supporters. Pray that God would provide a place in India for Courtney where she is refreshed, encouraged, and refilled.
Unity: Our team will be together in just a few short days. Be contending for unity among ourselves and that God would protect us from attacks of the enemy that attempt to divide.
Something that I struggle with is pride. So often, the encouragement that God intends for good is twisted into me feeling capable of doing things without God's help. My human nature is so quick to jump in and take credit for what God has done through me as though it were I, and not the Lord, who had accomplished it.
Pride is a slippery and sneaky sin. It is so easy to fall into thinking that you are worthy of God's favor. I know that for me personally I have to constantly be on my guard against feelings of self-righteousness. One thing that I often need to remind myself of is that God doesn't need me for anything.
Acts 17:25
And He is not served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.
God is divine, all-powerful, all-knowing, sovereign, and limitless. Who do I think I am that God would owe me anything? He does not need me, my service, or my sacrifice to be glorified because He is already glorious regardless of what I think, say, and do. God is not lacking. Sometimes I act as though I have the right to serve the God of the universe. Seriously, who do I think I am?!?!
I am undeserving. In reference to Jesus, John the Baptist said, "But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie," (Luke 3:17).John the Baptist, a man who was devoted to God in prayer, fasting, and teaching, knew that he was unworthy of touching Jesus' shoes. Something that is important to remember is that it is my privilege to be able to serve God and it is not my right. I am a sinner who is saved by grace, not by what I do, and just like John the Baptist I am not worthy of even untying Jesus' sandals.
When I am able to reject my prideful nature and recognize the things I am not, I am able to more clearly see who I am-a daughter of the Most High!
2 Corinthians 6:18
I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.
The idea that a person's identity should be found in God is completely contrary to what the world says to us. The world tells me that I am a student, sister, daughter, volunteer, employee, and friend. Satan does not want me to walk around thinking that I have any more worth than these things. All of those things I listed are true-I have a part-time job and three wonderful brothers. The difference between what the world wants me to think and the truth of God is that none of the things I listed define me. My value is not in the classes I take, my family members, or employment. These things may be good, but they are not eternal. The good news however, is that my value is eternal because it is found in my relationship with God.
This is some of the best news ever! School can be stressful if you forget who is holding your life and where your value lies. It is so easy to feel like a failure when I receive a test score that isn't as good as I would like it to be. For any students reading this, listen carefully: if God has called you into being a student you need to be honoring Him with the way you study and spend your time, but your value is not in the grades you receive! That is not what the world tells students. The world says that students are only valuable if they get good grades and their education helps them attain a prestigious job. What the world doesn't seem to mention is that everything it can offer you is temporary. Even "good" things such as family and education can be a stumbling block if you find yourself storing your worth in them.
If you find yourself placing your value in the things of this world, even "good" things, you will be disappointed because the world will fail you. Plans will fall apart, relationships end, and possessions disappear.
God, however, will not. He is unfailing.
Psalm 46:1-3, 7
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
So, be encouraged, because if you are a child of God your identity and value are eternal! God is faithful.
One year ago on March 8, 2010 Lungile Nxumalo died as a result of tuberculosis and HIV that had been assailing her body mercilessly for almost two years. She breathed her last breath in a small, one-room, cement home with three barred windows and white walls. Lungile was my friend and my sister. I can't say that we knew one another incredibly well, or even that we had much in common, but I can say that I loved her deeply with a love that can only be found through Jesus Christ.
There are many things that can't be learnt from books or lectures. Things that require experience and that need to be seen, felt, and heard to be understood. This is what I experienced with Lungile: pain, strength, laughter, fear, sickness, vulnerability, peace, and above all else love.
When I first saw Lungile I saw a thin, weak, and timid woman who didn't appear to want much to do with me or my teammate Billy. There Billy and I were, two young and clueless Americans trying to talk to this woman as she laid in her bed scowling at us. For reasons that are beyond me, we decided to sing one of the few songs we had learnt in SiSwati. There was an immediate change in Lungile's expression and a huge smile burst across her face as she began clapping and singing with us. We shared many smiles, stories, and songs in the next weeks as we grew closer.
But for each moment of joy and happiness there were moments of paranoia, anger, and fear. Lungile was very sick, and we could clearly see that there was a spiritual battle taking place in her mind as more and more lies began to slip in.
Lungile challenged me. Never before had I seen such suffering or was I in such a high supportive roll. When Billy and I entered Lungile's room, we entered alone. There were no leaders or even basic instructions on how to process what we were seeing, yet alone how to be there for Lungile. We just went for it and prayed for God's wisdom and anointing.
It is clear that God used Lungile to impact my life. God helped me to see how to love people, even when it's hard. He reminded me that I am strong when He is my foundation and that I can do all things through Him. I learnt that no matter the circumstances, God is good and He is worthy of all praise!
Isaiah 61:1-3 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks or righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
This is my calling: to proclaim freedom to the captives and release from darkness the prisoners. Very few 19-year-olds can tell you what they want to do with their lives. Although I am not completely sure how I will get there, I know that my future will be filled with continued service to the Lord and I look forward to grow and serve in His name.
Take a moment and look back at your life. Remember the hard times, when you were challenged and broken. How has God worked through those circumstances for your good? What will you do with the lessons you have learnt?
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
If you take a look at Jeremiah chapter 20 (take a few minutes and read through it) you'll see that Jeremiah is in a place of frustration. Jeremiah prophesies the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem because of sins that they have committed and false gods that they worship. His prophecies weren't popular, and he continually endured beatings, imprisonment, and persecution for speaking God's truth.
In verse 9 Jeremiahs says that the word of God is in his heart like a fire and that he is so consumed that he cannot hold it in. Despite his suffering and persecution, God's word has impacted him so that there is no way he could stop from preaching it.
Jeremiah 20:9 But if I say, "I will not mention him or speak any more in his name." his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.
In Acts chapter 5 the apostles are going around healing and preaching that Jesus was the son of God and has risen from the dead. Although many of the people accepted their message and came to believe in Jesus Christ, the Sanhedrin (an appointed council of judges) did not like the message that the apostles were preaching so the put them in jail. During the night an angle of God opened the jail gates and let them out telling them to return and preach in the temple courts. When the Sanhedrin were told that their prisoners had miraculously escaped and were preaching in the courts they weren't please. In fact they wanted to put them to death for continuing to preach in the name of Jesus after being commanded not to. God intervened, and used the wise words of a Pharisee named Gamaliel to persuade the Sanhedrin not to kill the apostles. Instead, they were beaten and told again not to preach in the name of Jesus. Acts 5:41-42 shows us the apostles' response and it makes me smile when I think about it. After they had been flogged they were overjoyed because they were counted worthy to suffer with Christ! Not only that but they continued to preach the gospel shamelessly to everyone they could!
Acts 5:41-42 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ."
What would we look like if we were so consumed with God that we couldn't hold him in? If tonight you were arrested for your faith in Jesus Christ and beaten, what would be your response?
I think that a lot of times we get too comfortable with being comfortable. God definitely uses times of resting and blessing to restore and refurnish our faith, but is your current level of comfort a gift from God or something that you have made for yourself?
Looking at scripture, never are Christians called to indulge in an overabundance and live a life of laziness until they die. What Jesus said was much more like, "take up your cross and follow me," "sell everything you have and give to the poor," "love one another, as I have loved you," "let your light shine before men, that they can see your good deeds and praise your father in Heaven," "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you," "do not worry about your life," ...just to name a few.
Following Jesus isn't easy, the road is narrow and few are those who will find it. But understand that suffering for the sake of Christ is an honor and we should rejoice at every sign of hardship that we endure for the name of Jesus.
Understanding identity in Jesus Christ is an important step in the life of a Christian. As a follower of Jesus Christ you are a child of God.
Romans 8:17 If we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
But even as a co-heir with Christ we are not called into being pampered and wearing shiny crowns-not here on earth. Being a co-heir with Christ means sharing in his sufferings so that one day in Heaven we can also share in his glory!
I pray that as a body we are not afraid to share in his sufferings, but that we rejoice in the mist of persecution!
What is your attitude about suffering for the cross?
That week I talked about how the choices that we make are a reflection of what we believe. This week I am going to talk about choices again but this time instead of looking back I want to talk about the choices we make right now.
Just like the choices we've made in the past reveal what we believe, the choices we are making now reveal what we want. In the face of every obstacle, challenge, blessing, disappointment, and trial we choose to either: grow; stay the same; or do what's easiest. I know that sometimes doing what is easy is the same thing is the same thing as choosing to grow but more often than not this is not the case.
Let me explain a little more by giving an example. When we face a trial, no matter how big or small, we have choices. We can: praise God, confront it, and learn from it; confront it to get it over with; or run away from what's happening.
I may be young, but I have done and gone through a few circumstances that really challenged me and my faith. I know by now that it is way better to choose to learn from the circumstances that challenge me than to blame, become angry, or run away. Hard things are going to happen to you, and if you are a follower of Christ even more so.
Matthew 10:22 All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
Mark 13:12-13 Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
Luke 21:17-19 All men will hate you because of me. But not a hair on your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life.
John 15:18-21 If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me.
But here is the good news...
John 14:18-21 But I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.
Romans 8:28 And we know that in ALL THINGS God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
God does a lot of things that I don't understand, but it's okay because I know that in all things He is working for my good. I can rest assured that I will not be left an orphan but that He is with me. So when hard things come before me I praise God because He is so good, and so worthy of everything that we have.
James 1:2-5 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything.
Even in the darkest of storms, we are sheltered under the wings of our mighty Lord and Savior. So, when challenges are set before you be encouraged. Know that God hasn't left you alone and make the decision to learn from what's before you.
It has been too long since my last update. For those of you who don't know, I am currently studying at the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities with the intensions of a major in physics.
Over the past few months God has continually blessed and strengthened me through His word, my community, life's circumstances, and the church. Don't think that my lack of writing means a lack of learning, challenge, or blessing because God has been faithful to continue His work in me.
One thing that has been on my mind lately is the power we have in the choices we make. Every day we make millions of them: what to wear; what work to do; when to eat; who to be with; to spend time with God; to speak; what to say; to encourage; the list continues.
God has been revealing to me the significance of my perspective of Him in the choices I make. What I mean by that the choices I make are based on my understanding, or lack thereof, of who God is. If I seriously believe that God is The Healer, then I'm going to spend time praying over the sick. If I truly believe that Jesus Christ conquered death and is the only way to Heaven, then I'm going to take every opportunity I have to share God's truth with a willing listener.
It is deceivingly easy to make statements like, "God is good," "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," "He is the Great Physician," "Jesus has paid my debt and bought my life," and "I give my life completely over to the Lord " without understanding what we just said, and without living that out.
If you want to figure out what you really think about God take a look at some of the choices you make. Do we as the body of Christ really believe what we say?
Do you talk with God? 1 Thessalonians 5:17 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Do you pray over the sick? Mark 16:17-18 17 'And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.'
Do you spend time in His word regularly? Psalm 11:11 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Do you give sacrificially to the Kingdom? Mark 12:41-44 41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.
43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything-all she had to live on."
Do you rejoice in trials? James 1:2-4 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Do you treat your body like a temple of the Holy Spirit? 1 Cor. 6:19-20 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
Do you live like the Holy Spirit lives inside of you? 2 Timothy 1:7 7For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.John 14:12 'I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.' This is a statement that Jesus makes in John chapter 14. Just looking in the gospel of John alone, Jesus had already turned water into wine, prophesied about his death and resurrection, proclaimed the truth of the Gospel, healed multiple people, fed 5,000 people with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish, walked on water, preached to thousands, raised Lazarus from the dead, and more. In the verses following (John 14:14-31) we are promised a helper, the Holy Spirit. So not only did Jesus say that anyone with faith in Him will do what He did, but He gave us the Spirit of truth to dwell in us forever!
For many, this blog is probably feels discouraging. Personally, reading through this list and reflecting on the choices I make I question how much faith I have in the God of the universe because I'm not always doing what I should be. I know that I often don't act like I serve the God who holds all things in His hands and there are many ways that I can step out in faith that I don't take advantage of. I write these words with the hopes that some of you will be encouraged by the affirmation of your faith that is visible through your actions, and that others would examine their actions and start reshaping the areas of your lives that need improvement.
The truth is that we are human, not perfect, and we make mistakes. The good news is that we serve a God who has mercies anew for us morning by morning and that He wants you to trust in Him more than you want to trust in Him. Growing in faith is hard, I am pretty sure it's impossible without God so ask Him for help!
Matthew 7:7-11 7 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
9 "Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"
After being here for two months I have learned a lot about Bolivia. There are many things that I found here that have changed my perspective. Here are some of those things:
It's fine to call and be called a "gordita" (little faty)
The trunk is not off limits when it comes to taxi seating
25 oranges or bananas costs less than a dollar
If you buy a beverage in a glass bottle, be prepared to kiss your bottle goodbye and enjoy your liquid out of a bag.
Eating antiqucho (grilled cow heart) is a delicacy
God's creation is spectacular
Movies are rarely in English
Brownie batter can be scrambled
Birthday parties are awesome
There is no such thing as too big of a pizza, only two few people
These past few weeks God has really been showing me the value of simply sitting in His presence. So often I feel as though I need to be serving and moving in order to bring God glory. But what´s lacking from that mindset is that fact that God doesn´t need me for anything. If I serve Him, He is glorified; If I don´t He is still glorified.
It is easy for me to feel close to God when I'm working, which isn´t a bad thing, but what I need to remember is that sometimes the correct response is simple to sit in the presence of the Lord. I am reminded of the story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10. Martha invited Jesus to her house and was busy preparing everything. I can only imagine the preparations that I would be making if Jesus was coming to my house. Between cleaning, cooking, and cleaning myself up I would be running around that a maniac.
Mary sees that there are things to be done, and with that in mind she chooses to sit at Jesus´ feet. If I am honest with myself, what Mary does wouldn´t even cross my mind as a possibility if I was in her situation.
My favorite part of this whole story is what Jesus says of Mary in response to Martha in verses 41 and 42, ¨you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her.¨
I long to have the Lord say that of me; ¨Calie has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her.¨ So often I get so busy in life that I forget that only one thing is needed. It is so easy to be bogged down with the hustle and bustle of life, even good things can distract us from the only thing that we need. My prayer this week is that I will remember the one thing that I need and that I will make time to rest is the presence of the Lord.
Matthew 11:28-30
¨Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentile and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.¨
