Life as a woman often feels like a constant balancing act—between work and family, ministry and self-care, showing up for others and spending time with God. Many of us can relate to feeling stretched thin, always “doing,” but rarely just “being.” Today’s blog reminds us that while our service has value, there’s something greater that must come first so that we can move from distraction to devotion.
In Luke 10:38-42, we find the story of Mary and Martha. As Jesus and His disciples traveled, they came to a village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. While Martha busied herself with preparing and serving, her sister Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet, listening to His teaching.
Frustrated, Martha asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her with the work. But Jesus gently responded that while Martha was worried and distracted by many things, only one thing was truly needed, and Mary had chosen it—the better part—which would not be taken from her.
Martha often gets a bad reputation in this story, but let’s not overlook her strengths: she welcomed Jesus into her home, she served, she prepared, and she cared about doing things right. Her intentions were rooted in love. Her error wasn’t in serving—it was in being so busy serving that she missed the beauty of simply being with Jesus.
As women today, many of us embody Martha’s spirit. We manage households, careers, relationships, ministries, and more. Like Martha, we are hospitable, responsible, and diligent. These are godly traits but, if we’re not careful, we become so occupied doing things for God that we neglect spending time with God.
Mary reminds us that the greatest priority is intimacy with Jesus. The work will always be there, but the opportunity to sit at His feet and hear His voice is important and can’t be missed. We are called to find a rhythm where we honor Martha’s heart to serve, while embracing Mary’s hunger to listen.
Take a moment to reflect: Is your schedule so packed that it’s hard to hear God? Are you wearing your busyness like a badge of honor? The good news is you don’t have to choose between being a “Martha” or a “Mary.” God wants us to be both—active and attentive, fruitful and faithful, diligent and deeply rooted in Him. Prioritizing time in God’s presence gives us the strength, direction, and peace to carry out everything else.
Can I make a suggestion to you? Start your day with 10–15 minutes at Jesus’ feet—prayer, Scripture, or quiet reflection. If you are already doing this for 10-15 minutes, increase your time to 20 minutes, 30 minutes, or even an hour. Let it realign your heart and focus and in doing so, you’ll find that everything else flows more gracefully when He comes first.
Let’s pray:
Father, thank You for the example of Mary and Martha. Thank You for reminding us that while service is important, Your presence is the best place we can be. Teach us how to slow down, to quiet the noise, and to make time for You. Help us to balance our responsibilities with a heart that prioritizes intimacy with You. We long to sit at Your feet, to listen, and to be changed. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Call to Repentance and Salvation
If you’ve never made the decision to follow Jesus or if you’ve been feeling distant from Him, know this: He’s waiting for you with open arms. He desires a personal relationship with you—one rooted in love, forgiveness, and purpose.
The first step is simple: repentance. That means turning away from your old life and turning your heart fully to God.
Romans 10:9 (NIV) says,
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
If you’re ready to begin, or renew, your walk with Christ, pray this prayer from your heart:
Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and rose again so that I can have a new life. Today, I repent of all my sins, known and unknown, and turn away from them and my old life. I invite You into my heart as my Lord and Savior. Teach me, lead me, and help me walk in obedience with You from this day forth. In Your Name, Jesus, I pray, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, heaven is literally rejoicing, and so am I! I encourage you to get connected to a Bible-teaching church, get into God’s Word so that God’s Word can get into you, and grow in community with other believers who can support your journey. Please let me know if you made this decision so I can celebrate with you!
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