What Really Does God Want From Us?

Greetings everyone and welcome to today's edition of Learn and Grow With Jesus EVERYDAY. 

Today's Topic : Building a Happy Relationship

Date: Friday, January 15, 2021

Bible Reading: Luke 10:38-42 NKJV

Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things.  But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:39‭-‬42 NKJV

Discussion Question: What really does God want from us?

Have you ever asked, "What really does God want from me?" The answer to this question is key to building and sustaining a happy relationship and a happy life not only with God but also with every one with whom we have and enjoy a relationship.

One of the major reasons why many find it very difficult to build a happy and a successful relationship is assumption. We are very quick to assume what the person with whom we are in a relationship really needs, wants or would appreciate. But why assume when you can simply ask?

Have you ever taken the time to ask your spouse or partner what really he or she wants  from you or from the relationship?

Have you ever taken the time to ask your boss, manager, supervisor, or business associates,  what really they expect from you and how do they want it?

Have you ever humbled yourself to ask your child,  what do you really want mummy or daddy to do sweetie?

The bible says my people perish for lack of knowledge. Knowledge is the prerequisite for understanding and good judgment. No wonder the bible tells us in 1 Peter 3:7 KJV "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered". We are to dwell with our spouses according to knowledge. You don't know what you don't know and what you don't know will hurt you someday. 

From today's bible reading, we learn that Martha was very busy with "serving" and she became bitter and frustrated with much work that obviously was not a priority for Jesus. How many times have you wearied yourself with much work and effort to please your spouse, your partner, your boss or your child, only to find out that your sacrifice was barely noticed because the things you did, though good, was not their priority? Please understand that service is very essential and needful, but in the context of our study today, our focus is on what's more important to the one with whom you have a relationship. 

Did you notice Martha's frustration and anger when it seemed like she wasn't getting appreciated for what she was doing? The bible says that "all things are lawful [that is, morally legitimate, permissible], but not all things are beneficial or advantageous. All things are lawful, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life]". 1 Corinthians 10:23 AMP.

There are things much more prudent and important to the one with whom you have a relationship. Dare to ask. Dare to find out so you do not weary yourself like someone before a door with the wrong key. Let us be wise.

More than service and programs, what God needs from all of us is worship and intimacy. To sit at His feet and learn from Him, not distracted by the many worries and anxieties of life. Though your cares are very plenty, He knows them all, and still wants all of you when you come in His presence, not half of you or a quarter of you. Spend time in His presence so He might fill our emptiness with the fullness of His presence and glory. Study the Bible to learn and know His will and His ways. Take the time and effort to build a relationship with Him that will sustain you through your journey on the earth. Be intentional about seeking Him with all your heart so that He will show Himself strong on our behalf.

Next time you go to church, observe how many people are distracted by their phones during worship. Observe how many people are busy texting during service. Observe the atrocities of men in God’s presence, yet when they need help, they cry out to Him craving His immediate attention and intervention. Just one day in a week and it's too much.

Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in. Galatians 6:9 AMP

God bless you as you seek Him more and more. Amen.

Stay uplifted in Christ always and live cheerfully everyday. 

Leader Chinedu Nicholas Obodo for EXOLOM Fellowship.