Dear Mary... - Anna Storer

Just thought I’d stop to drop you a line amongst life’s craziness. Sorry you haven’t heard from me in some time, there’s just been a global pandemic and a world to save.

But I thought I’d reach out to you dear sister, as in the last little while, amongst my million emails and whatsapp messages, phone calls and zoom chats, looking after my beloved family and ensuring I don’t use dry shampoo eight days straight… I’ve started to feel a little stretched and challenged, driven by the feeling that I still can’t reach far enough, do enough, or make enough of a difference…it’s exhausting. I’m not sure if you can relate.

I know I’ve been harsh sometimes, in judging your seeming inactivity, but as I’ve watched the fruit of your life, your peace, your wisdom and strength, your unrelenting joy...I’ve just been wondering what if, just what if, I’ve missed the main point?

I’m remembering now, amidst the flurry of preparations for His last visit, Jesus said to me, “Mary has discovered the one thing most important by choosing to sit at my feet. She is undistracted…” 

God, He knows me so well. It’s true, I can get distracted. Allowing the busy-ness of life to mask the distance and dryness in my spirit and replace my personal conversation and intimacy with Him. The truth is Mary, you can totally get away with this for a little while, but in the end…well that’s just it, you come to the end. 

Which isn’t right, is it? As I know any form of lack doesn’t exist when you’re abiding in Jesus. He provides complete fullness in every situation, sister. 

So maybe it’s not trying harder; it’s drawing nearer. Maybe it’s not what I’ve done; it’s what I’m allowing Him to do...in me. Life, in all its multi-coloured seasons, its defining events and layers of responsibilities can definitely refine me, they can shape and carve out a strength in me…but I’m realising they are not the substance of my life. God is. 

I’m reminded of this again as I hear His voice saying to me, ‘Martha, you are bothered about so many things; but few things are needed--or indeed only one…’

Indeed only one.

One moment, one word, one whisper. I’m starting to remember the times when I’ve stopped, slowed down my frantic stride enough to keep pace with His. You see, He is complete peace, and also omnipresent, so I never need to strive or go far to meet with Him. When I’ve quietened the many voices that demand my attention and seek only His…well the supernatural I crave becomes natural, just like breathing.

And sometimes? Without even saying a thing...He just comes and reorganises my soul. 

Now don’t get me wrong Mary, I’m not saying in any way that I won’t get off the couch now. Lord no, the need, the cause, the mission still consumes me and I can’t drown out the call to action. I know that He’s anointed me to proclaim the gospel and set the oppressed free. It’s also His directive to go into all nations and make disciples…

So I’m keeping my shoes on and my hands ready, but I’m also being inextricably drawn to a lifestyle of having ‘my hand to the plow’, yet still communing, still enquiring, still listening for His voice. I want my innate response to be moving through my day, my meetings, my daily routine whilst still maintaining an awareness of His presence...and allowing it to melt, minister and mould my inner countenance and outward conversation. I want the fruit of His Spirit to be the ripple effect of my life, not just another excellently smashed out to do list.

So I’m writing dear Mary, to thank you for reminding me of the most important thing. 

I think I’ll close my laptop now and come join you, at the feet of Jesus.

Sincerely,

Your Sister,

Martha.

Written By Anna Storer

Anna is a part of the team at Kingdomcity in Perth.