Navigating Your Mary and Martha Moments

millicentassoc
Jul 20
3 min read

Updated: Jul 27

Learning to Pause Before You Power Down

— Millicent V. Brown

**Sometimes we’re busy tending every detail like Martha—yet God still calls us to pause and simply be with Him.**

✨ Luke 10:41-42 reminds us: “You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is necessary…”

Last week, we stood tall in our worth.We embraced the truth that we are fearfully and wonderfully made — no more comparisons, no more discounts, no more questioning what God already declared as good.

We’re not defined by where we live or what we’ve done — but by Who lives in us. His Spirit speaks life, value, and purpose into us every single day.

And now... we carry that truth into a new week — one that still includes the tasks, the deadlines, the caregiving, the business plans, the family needs.

But what if… we approached it differently this time?What if we paused before we powered down?

There’s a moment I find myself living over and over again.I’m at my desk, staring at reports I need to finish…Carrying laundry from the washer to the dryer…Making breakfast, wiping coffee spills off the counter…Checking on my husband, my family, my extended family, my friends…church...community and civic obligations... Feeding my sweet Rollo and throwing the ball so he knows he’s not forgotten.

All while my heart whispers:“Master, do You care that I’m drowning?”

Have you ever felt like the disciples in the boat during the storm — waves crashing, water rising, and Jesus seemingly asleep? I have.

Like Martha, spinning in circles, trying to serve everyone, pouring out from a cup that’s dangerously close to empty? I have.

My mind races:

Am I letting people down?
Why can’t I move forward on these tasks?
Lord, is this You telling me to pause… or am I just procrastinating?
Father, am I letting You down?

Yet in the midst of it all, Jesus whispers the same gentle words He spoke to Martha:

“Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is necessary…” – Luke 10:41–42

**Being ‘Martha’ can feel overwhelming when we try to juggle every task at once.**

But God gently reminds us: Rest is holy, too. 💛

Pause. Breathe. Let Him carry what you were never meant to hold alone.

I’m learning that:

✅ Being busy isn’t always being obedient.

✅ Jesus never called me to drown under the weight of my to-do list.

✅ Sometimes the most spiritual thing I can do is rest.

✅ God loves me, even when I pause.

I want to finish every task. I don’t want to disappoint the people who have believed in me, supported me, and walked with me through valleys.

But even more deeply, Father…I’m afraid of letting You down.

Yet more than anything, I want to hear my Savior say:“Peace, be still.”Because I am worthy.My house is worthy.And even in the storm — Jesus is in my boat.

🙏 Prayer:

Father,I’m tired. My heart is overwhelmed. I’m afraid I’m letting people down.But more than that, Father—I’m afraid I’m letting You down.

Help me, Lord, to pause before I power down completely.Help me choose the better part — to sit at Your feet and rest in Your presence.

Speak “peace” over my storm.Remind me that You see me, love me, and care for me — even when my tasks feel unfinished.

Show me what is truly mine to carry — and what I must place in Your hands.

Assure me that even in stillness, I am loved.I am worthy.And I am Yours.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

🪞 Reflection Questions:

When was the last time you paused to sit at Jesus’ feet rather than running to complete your to-do list?
Where are you feeling torn between “doing” and “being”?
Is God inviting you to pause — even for a few moments today?
What would happen if you trusted Him enough to rest?
Do you believe God can love you even when the work is left undone?