A Little Nudge
There have been various times in my life when people have given me a little nudge to try something or do something. Those little nudges have led to the discovery of new things to enjoy. In High School a friend wanted to try out for a play, and she nudged me to do it with her. It opened a door for one of the major activities of my High School life! Several years ago, a friend nudged me to start my own business, and with much fear I allowed myself to be pushed. Eight years of running my business taught me so much, broadened my skill set and renewed a confidence in my abilities to persevere. I’ve been nudged to taste new veggies (hello delicious jicama!), attempt a new sport (golf anyone? Or Barre?), and try new fashions (okay, that doesn’t take much of a nudge…). I’ve been nudged to go for evening walks, read a book, try a recipe, spend an afternoon exploring, attempt the l-o-n-g-e-r hike, play a new game, and the list goes on. Each of us have people in our lives who nudge us now and then to step out of where we are and step into something fresh.
Do you remember the Bible story of Mary and Martha? They were throwing a dinner party and Jesus was coming. Martha was putting all the plans together and Mary was her assistant. Jesus arrives in the midst of the preparations, and Mary takes the opportunity to sit at his feet and listen to the conversation that takes place around her. She is soaking in every ounce of Jesus that she can. When Martha picks up on the fact that Mary is no longer helping, she falls apart a bit and complains to Jesus and asks him to basically tell Mary to get her little behind in gear and help with the preparations! Jesus softly corrects Martha with the statement that Mary has chosen what is best, and He’s not going to take it away from her.
Fast forward a bit. Mary and Martha’s brother Lazarus has gotten really sick and they send for Jesus to come heal him. When you are good friends with the Messiah, there are times you just have to pull the Friend Card. Jesus comes, but he purposefully delays because he has plans to reveal the glory of God. When he reaches the outskirts of town, it’s Martha who is leaving all the responsibilities at home to come talk with Jesus. Martha learned to depend on Christ, to come to Him for her needs, her strength, her comfort. Mary is back at home with the mourners, caught in a cycle of grief that seems to be overpowering her. After Martha talks with Jesus she goes back home. John 11:28 says, “Then she returned to Mary. She called Mary aside from the mourners and told her, ‘The Teacher is here and wants to see you.’ ” Mary needed a little nudge. Mary needed to be prompted to see beyond what was right in front of her, to believe in what she didn’t yet fully know.
I’ve been like Mary. I’ve been so distracted by the circumstances of life that I haven’t run immediately to Jesus. I needed someone to nudge me. I’ve experienced moments when I’ve grieved over what is not to be, and I became overwhelmed by my loss. I needed someone to nudge me. I’ve watched hopes and dreams fall by the wayside and I’ve drawn into myself out of disappointment and deep discouragement. I needed someone to nudge me. I’ve faced situations that are beyond my ability to comprehend and I’ve become frozen by fear and uncertainty. I needed someone to nudge me.
As I caught a glimpse of that precious moment in John 11:28, I was reminded of the truth that we are the body of Christ. We are called to work in unity, together, filling in the gaps for one another. Ephesians 4:15,16 says, “… we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of the body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” (NLT) Sometimes my “special work” may be to nudge someone to go to Jesus. Sometimes, I need someone to nudge me so that I can be “healthy and growing and full of love.”
Jesus didn’t come so that we would be saved and then journey life alone. He came so that we could have relationship with Him. Do you need to be nudged to sit awhile with Jesus? He’s waiting. He’s able to handle whatever you are dealing with. He’s prepared to bring about new life. Go ahead… let me nudge you a bit… go to Jesus.
Perhaps you hear Jesus whispering a name to you of someone you love. Perhaps she needs a nudge. Maybe God is calling you to love another member of His body enough to help him grow, and he needs to be told that the Teacher is near and wants to speak with him. Go ahead… let me nudge you a bit… step out in obedience.
Sometimes, we all need a nudge.
