The Practical Power of “One Thing”

by | Feb 22, 2017

The Practical Power of "One Thing" - Four tips for a simpler way of living and accessing God's power to help.

“Only one thing is needed…”

That was Jesus’ advice to Martha in Luke 10:42, and it remains true for all of us today. For Jesus is the “one thing” that all of us need.

But the principle of “one thing” can also have smaller, practical implications that can help us when life feels overwhelming.

As we discovered in the “Three Rocks and a Wagon” story I shared several months ago, God doesn’t want us to go through life burdened and weighed down.

Instead, we are to cast our cares on Jesus (1 Peter 5:7). He is our Burden Bearer.

 Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Psalm 68:19

“One Thing” Living

Here are some ways to practice one-thing thinking when your wagon feels overloaded.

Invite Jesus to rule and reign. Each morning before you get out of bed, invite the Lord to come take the throne of your life, to be your “one thing.” Present your day to Him and ask Him for wisdom and guidance.

Ask God to reveal the next step. As you go through your day, keep asking the Lord, “What is the one thing I need to do next?” Don’t let the big picture overwhelm you. Just take the next step as He reveals it—wash one dish, make one phone call, put on your jogging clothes. Then take the next step…and the next.

Have faith that what needs to get done will get done. Since you have dedicated your day to the Lord, trust that He’ll show you the one thing or many things that must be done. Do what you can do in the time allotted. Then trust that what wasn’t accomplished was either unnecessary or is being taken care of by God.

Be open to the Spirit’s leading. You may find your day interrupted by divine appointments. Instead of resisting the interruptions, flow with the one thing as God brings it across your path. You’ll be amazed at the joy and freedom that comes from surrendering your agenda and cooperating with His.

From Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

PROVERBS 16:3

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I’d love to hear from you…Which of these “one thing” principles do you need to apply today, and why?

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