“‘Lord,’ Martha said to Jesus, ‘if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know even now God will give you whatever you ask.’” John 11:21 NIV
Mary and Martha were sisters who lived in the same house. They worked side by side each day completing a myriad of tasks. The list was unending by all accounts – no dishwashers for starters!
It is also clear through various stories in the New Testament that Mary and Martha, while sisters, had very different approaches to life. They did not always get along or agree with each other.
The thing that brought them together was a shared belief that Jesus, God’s Son, could change their lives. In the scripture story above Martha’s declaration is shortly followed by Mary declaring the same thing. Both sisters in their despair declare, “If you had been here my brother would not have died.” With like minded determination they both lay their lament before Jesus.
One of the great gifts of being a woman is the kinship we gain with other women. Our differences overcome, through our journeys together. Mothers, sisters, and friends, biological or by choice, one of the Creator’s gifts to women is the ability to hold our sorrows and joys before God in solidarity.
Thank you God for the women in my life. The influencers of my faith. Thank You for the kindred souls that help me grow and stretch closer to You. AMEN
Use the journal included in the May Comfort Kit to reflect on the faith influencers and sisters of the heart in your life. God’s provision is sometimes in the form of people! What have you learned or how have you grown through Christian sisterhood?
some comfort and joy 