Reaction to Action- Reaction to Outcomes
It can be the most challenging thing in life to make time for God. What is your reaction when the Holy Spirit is prompting you to connect with God? Do you seek God or put Him on the lower end of the list of “things to get to later?”
The world is concerned with outcome, and it can be challenging for the believer to make time for God first, and outcome second. But, when our relationship with God is on that “things to get to later” list we find ourselves becoming stressed, frustrated with life, our relationship with ourselves can become off balanced, and our relationship with others can become weak. We can become resentful because of a lack of boundaries to nurture our relationship with Jesus.
What is your reaction when you know you need to nurture your relationship with Jesus?
"That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.'" 1 Corinthians 2:9, NLT
Believe it or not, we have as much access to God as we have the faith receive Him. As I mentioned before, when we put God on the “things to get to later” list life will feel more hectic and frustrating. But it’s only through an awareness of His presence that peace will dispel those negative human emotions. The only remedy to switch your focus from problems is to focus on God’s presence.
Have you had seasons in life where you were physically tired, and you made an effort to get more sleep, but yet you found yourself still tired? Perhaps what’s needed is not more sleep, but more of Jesus, who fills the body and soul.
Turning to Luke 10: 38-42, we find the story of Martha and Mary, two sisters who were friends with Jesus. But Martha got upset with Mary, who wanted to sit at the feet of Jesus to listen to His message. Martha thought her sister needed to be in the kitchen preparing food with her. Martha is a reflection of our society, always on the go and busy- looking for outcomes. But then, we [society] find ourselves getting worn out and vulnerable by the things of the world. Martha had her focus on the smaller picture of life by getting annoyed with Mary and Jesus for not caring what she was into- food preparation, into being on the go and being busy- looking for outcome.
It takes courage and faith to be Mary, to see the larger picture of life, and not the smaller picture. To make time for God and to seek His presence can be one of the hardest things, especially in this 2016 technological social media world we’re living in. And because the world is focused on outcomes and the smaller picture we have to, as Christians keep that in mind, and make a point to focus on what’s important.
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (KJV).” -Matthew 6:33
Martha go worked up on caring for the needs of others too much, instead of filling herself up, and Jesus reminded her of that in verses 41-42.
May we practice the discipline of walking consciously with God each day. To let our reaction be one of seeking Him, even when the world’s actions are wanting busyness and outcomes. At the end of it all, He only wants us and for us to put Him first. If we keep Matthew 6:33 in our minds “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (KJV),” then we will have all the outcomes and needs for the life God has given us.
Be Blessed, Bless Others & Happy Friday! xx