When you attend Church, what is the purpose for you to be there? Are you there to sing in the choir, are you there to usher, or work the audio video? These are various things the saints are called to do, during the worship service. However, if this is your primary reason for attending you have lost more than you have gained. Let me explain, you were in the right place to grow, but your focus was on the work. It does not matter what service you provide during worship, make it a point to ensure you listen and receive from the Lord. The reason for us to come to Church is to gain wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, when this happens growing will occur. 

Luke 10:38-42, is dealing with this issue. Martha had welcomed Jesus into her house, and was busy working getting things together. But, her sister Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and listened as He was teaching. Martha was getting agitated, because Mary was not assisting her with the work. Martha was looking at all the things that needed to be done, and probably tried to get Mary’s attention. When that didn’t work, she interrupted Jesus while He was talking and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” Martha did not care about what Jesus was saying, it was more important for Him to tell Mary to help. I believe Martha had a tremendous amount of respect for Jesus, but her focus was on getting things done in her house. Jesus responded, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.” Jesus identifies Martha’s issues, she is worried and distracted. Martha has welcomed Jesus Christ into her house, but does not have time to listen to Him. How could she allow this opportunity to slip through her hands? She was focused on making sure everything was right for Jesus. This is what was causing her to be worried and distracted. But, Jesus was in her house to help her gain wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, so that she could grow and be right with God. Jesus was sharing with Martha, you have allowed things that won’t help you but will draw your attention from Me. Mary realized the importance of seizing the opportunity to listen to Jesus, and would not move from His presence. 

What is blocking you from receiving what the Lord has for you? You have invited Him into your life, but you haven’t made the Lord your primary focus. You have been distracted by life’s situations and the Lord gets very little of your time. The Lord is the One that can help you through all situations, but you have been missing it. I want you to stop and take a few deep breaths. Then begin to pray and share with the Lord all the things that are worrying and distracting you. Then ask the Lord for His guidance, and He will see you through. Now, you will seize the opportunity to listen and receive what the Lord is sharing. Continue to walk in your blessings.