WRITTEN BY CHERYL WELLS
As I looked back over the last 7 months and intentionally being at the feet of Jesus, I came back to Jesus’ words to Martha. He said only one thing is necessary and that is to pay attention to His words. What does that mean for us? I encouraged our team to spend extra time going back to all the things that God brought to our focus over the year and connect them together to see the bigger picture. I began to do that during our time together looking at July and it was a beautiful picture for me as I connected what was written for June and then the new one in July. I shared that I had been doing that each time we were together, and I felt like I needed to go over my notes and journaling from January to July. What is the Spirit saying to us and let’s not miss it now, because I believe that it will impact the whole rest of the year. I am talking about following the Spirit and living in the Spirit as He leads us and speaks to us.
In the beginning of the year Michele wrote about Mary and Martha and I was drawn back to that. Like only God can do, He led me to see a scene from the Chosen and it was so moving as Jesus spoke to Martha about the one thing that was necessary. Being at His feet and reading the Word and listening for the Spirit leads me to and keeps me in a humble place where I know that I am dependent and poor spiritually. I went to the Sermon on the Mount one morning when the Spirit brought me a verse and first thing Jesus says is blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. As I continued to read it there was so much that followed that I felt like I needed at the time. I think that Mary staying at the feet of Jesus is such a picture to us about her spiritual need. The best way for spiritual need to be met is first knowing that we are in need and then knowing where to get filled up. It is the necessary that Jesus was talking about with Martha. He seemed to be reminding her that even with the best laid plans and the willingness to work and get it done, without our heart and mind being one with His, it won’t turn out well and won’t have the impact that was intended by Him.
We can be spiritually rich just by wholeheartedly seeking Jesus and positioning ourselves in a place where we are teachable moment by moment. Ask Him questions instead of always thinking that we know, and that works in all situations. Going to the Word of God for me today early set me up for the morning that followed, and I am so grateful for that blessing and provision. Being with Jesus and knowing that He left His Holy Spirit to indwell me is the most precious gift and provision for daily living. As a true Martha, I am learning that all my best intentions will be for nothing without the leading of the Holy Spirit that empowers it all. The Holy Spirit always reminds us of the truth and Jesus told us that in His Word.
Whether I am more like Mary or Martha is not the main point; what matters is whether I am submitted to Jesus and following Him in obedience. Am I paying attention and intentionally walking in humility, aware of my dependence on Him and convinced that only Jesus truly satisfies? I can try to care for myself and find answers on my own, or I can turn to someone or something else. This month, I am asking the Lord to be specific with me—and with us—to uncover where my heart truly is. Where am I trying to stay in control instead of asking Him and obeying His lead? In those moments, I stand at a crossroads: will I turn to Him and trust Him for the answer? Over the past few weeks, I have been experiencing this choice and, for the most part, choosing to trust and release.
In Joshua 5, shortly after the Israelites entered the Promised Land—the land flowing with milk and honey—they were instructed to circumcise all the males and remain in camp while they healed. The Lord told Joshua, “This day I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you,” which is why that place has been called Gilgal to this day” (Joshua 5:9). As they made their way toward Jericho, God was doing something new among them. First, they observed the Passover. The next day, they ate produce from the land, along with roasted grain and unleavened bread. After 40 years of being fed by the Lord with manna, it stopped immediately. They had entered a completely new season of provision, and God gave them abundance.
As Joshua neared Jericho, the captain of the Lord’s army appeared to him. Joshua fell facedown and asked what the Lord had to say to His servant.
“The captain of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Remove your sandals from your feet, because the place where you are standing is holy (set apart to the Lord).” And Joshua did so.” Joshua 5:15
Could this be Gilgal—the place where the reproach was rolled away? I believe our posture will determine that for each of us. This is holy ground, and I do not want to miss what God is doing here and now in me. Their next step was into Jericho, but even that required clear instruction and obedience. The walls came down as they believed and trusted God. Joshua knew the next step because he was asking and following with a pure heart. Let’s press in and listen this month.
