The High Calling of God

Recently I had my little sanctuary invaded by a six month old fur ball also known as Lucy. My husband and I were puppy sitting for his sisters' little dog. I and our four year old English Lab would sit back in amazement and wonder at this little power packed, energetic and fearless 15 pounds of fluff. Barking at just about everything including the ceiling light in the kitchen, this little energizer of a pup, I think, would try to tackle a bear, given half a chance. One day as I sat by and watched this wonder, I thought, how much she reminded me of new Christians, including myself at one time. They are so full of zeal that they will tackle any spiritual thing, real or imaginary. Many Christians, sad to say, stay in this level of maturity. They are very unfocused on what is really important. Like this pup, they don’t want or haven’t learned to “cuddle” up to their Master. They want to always be on the go, here, there and everywhere never taking the time to draw close to Jesus

Sometimes we think we don't have enough of what it takes: to be strong or brave; to do something different; to have great faith and do great exploits.  But the Bible is full of stories of people who only had a little bit of something-- but when they used what they had- they found out it was more than enough. The incident recorded in Matthew 14:22-33 regarding Peter walking on the water is such a case.  Many state that Peter didn't have faith, didn't have what it took to continue walking on the water.  But just where are the rest of the disciples?  They are still back in the boat!  They didn't even attempt to go out to meet Jesus when He was walking on the water.  As Peter became overwhelmed at the waves and got his eyes off of Jesus, he began to sink.  Jesus made a statement to Peter: "Thou of little faith, why hast thou doubted?"   It seemed like a rebuke at the time.  But as we look into those words- "little faith" - we find out that it

John 11:20 "Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him; but Mary sat still in the house." John 11: 22 "But I know, that even now, whatsoever Thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee." I have always thought that Martha was misunderstood.  You always hear about how spiritual Mary was and her sister Martha was always fussing, anxious about how the house looked and making sure that there was enough food and that all the guests were comfortable and taken care of.  All the while her sister Mary was sitting at Jesus feet, taking in all that He had to give.  Now, don't get me wrong- sometimes I am a Mary and other times I am a Martha.  We need both, maybe a little less of Martha's anxiety and fussing. But in these verses, Martha- the true Martha, comes forth.  While everyone else- including Mary- were back at the house crying and grieving that their brother Lazarus was dead- it was Martha who got up and went ou