Serving From an Empty Well

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:41-42 NIV


L

ook at me! I’m going here and there, and doing this and that.

 

 

I’m busy, booked, and otherwise occupied.

 

 

I’ve got full plates, full calendars, and full days.

 

 

My life echoes a Latin quote from the Roman poet Virgil:

 

 

nec mora, nec requies

 

 

Which means, “neither delay, nor rest”.

 

 

Within the four walls of my home, I’m famous for not putting off tomorrow what could be done today, except for resting which I always find ways to avoid.

 

 

I’m playing my part, and doing my thing as a wife, mom, chauffeur, sister, cook, friend, counselor…

 

photo: Raye Wortel

photo: Raye Wortel

 

And I’ve been doing it all from an empty well.

 

 

I discovered my empty well when I stomped on the rarely used brakes of my life, left the demands behind, and took an hour for myself.

 

 

I drove to a small church that was hosting an hour of prayer, praise, and fellowship.

 

 

While I was driving, I prayed it wasn’t going to take fifty-nine out of sixty minutes to calm myself enough to sense what God had in store for me.

 

 

It was minute sixty-one, when no one felt like leaving our prayer group, that I understood how much I needed the hour that had just passed.

 

 

My well had sprung a leak and ran dry. I realized I’d been patching it with my own inferior mortar.

 

 

I served from my well, but what I drew out seemed to dry in the wind before it met its need.

 

photo: Raye Wortel

photo: Raye Wortel

 

I gave from my well, but what flowed out ran through my fingers, so only drops remained.

 

 

I ministered from my well, but what spilled forth felt depleted and washed out.

 

 

My well was missing that “one thing” that’s needed.

 

 

The refreshing waters of Jesus.

 

 

“You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” (Isaiah 58:11)

 

 

How, Lord, how?

 

 

His Word answers with abundance…

 

 

“He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” – (Psalm 23:3)

 

 

“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” – (Jeremiah 31:25)

 

 

“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.” – (Psalm 19:7)

 

 

Are you tired?

 

 

Is your well empty like mine?

 

 

Are you trying to serve, and give, and minister from a dry reservoir?

 

 

We don’t have to be Marthas – always doing with perfection, control, or attention in mind.

 

 

God tells us we are free to be Marys who sit at his feet, watching him with wonder, drinking in his love, and abounding in his favor.

 

 

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered,                      (your name) has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

 

photo: Raye Wortel

photo: Raye Wortel

2 Replies

  1. This is beautiful, Raye. We really do know how to run ourselves dry sometimes.
    <3

    1. Thank you Chelsea, and may the Lord refresh you as you serve him!

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