My heart is racing. I was just sitting quietly, praying for Jimmy Needham and his wife Kelly as they prepare to bring a new life into the world today. I found myself praying for Jimmy, Kelly, their toddler Lively, all other family members, band members, nurses, doctors, the list went on. But then I was praying as they focus on the task at hand, their witness bears Strength to those around them. Those doctors, nurses, food servers, and lactation consultants… all of those people who aren’t really the current (and intense) focus, but are witness to the Love that explodes among them.

Jesus was this way, wasn’t He? A flash went through my mind of the woman who was healed by touching the hem of His garment. She doesn’t appear to be His current focus. In fact, He was on his way to see the synagogue official’s daughter who had just died. Probably gotta be pretty focused when you’re about to raise the dead, I imagine. But a woman came up behind him as he walked, and touched the hem of His cloak. He turned. He saw her. He knew her thoughts. He called her “daughter”, and He healed her.

I’m telling you, people, the Word is ALIVE! This isn’t the first time I’ve been drawn to this scripture, but this is quite a different revelation for me this morning. It seems I am always telling myself to “focus”, and then somewhere along the way, I get sidetracked. But if the “sidetracking” is a person… a person who needs Jesus, desperate to know His Love, His provision, His healing, and to be escorted into His Presence, well, isn’t that really the focus, and not interference?

Can we get so focused we lose focus? Oh yes. Father help me stay focused on what matters most to you. Your children. Neglecting not one.

But Jesus turning and seeing her said, “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well – Matthew 9:22

Jesus in Disguise – Brandon Heath

Now while they were on their way, it occurred that Jesus entered a certain village, and a woman named Martha received and welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was listening to His teaching. But Martha [overly occupied and too busy] was distracted with much serving; and she came up to Him and said, Lord, is it nothing to You that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me [to lend a hand and do her part along with me]! But the Lord replied to her by saying, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; There is need of only one or but a few things. Mary has chosen the good portion that which is to her advantage], which shall not be taken away from her.

– Luke 10:38-42 Amplified

It’s been an interesting month. So much is happening, and we are seeing our vision transform and become realized. Yet in times like these I tend to retreat rather than openly rejoice. Or both, rather. It’s more of a retroice. Face down with hands raised. I wonder why we were not designed with fully swivel shoulders for this very purpose, as it feels a more natural place to be than anywhere else.

Like Mary, the only place I want to be is at Jesus’ feet. Out from under my own personal microscope and into His Holy Presence. I want to dwell there all the time. I want to sit and gaze into His face and have Him tell me I did it right, even when I tell myself I didn’t. For Him to tell me my own mixed up words and misstep’s were redeemed and used for His Glory. My best was good enough, and He is proud of me. Pleased with me. Loves me, and no matter what I say or do, whether I, or others, think I succeed or fail, I did what He asked. I loved fervently.

This is the place (His feet) I find all of these things.

So when I’m out in the world, Martha-ing it up, doing what I need to do, I feel a little bit lost, with a burning desire to get back to where I feel fully complete. To where I fit 100%. Just me and Him.

Somewhere there is a balance between Mary and Martha. Maybe this is it. I feel bad for Martha, really. She gets a bad rap, most of the time. I remember Pastor Chris Brown saying “how would you like it if your worst moment EVER was recorded in the Bible!”. There is a time to serve, I know this. It’s written throughout the Bible, and it’s written on my heart. But even more, there is a time to stay.

I want to sit at your feet, drink from the cup in your hand. Lay back against You and breathe, feel Your heartbeat. This love is so deep, it’s more than I can stand. I melt in Your peace. It’s overwhelming.

The More I Seek You – Kari Jobe