LEARN FROM MARTHA

Is your schedule mainly fueled by stress? We all know Martha of Bethany. She's the super-reliable, slightly frazzled host who always seems to be doing too much. When Jesus came over, she got totally wrapped up in "all the serving," which quickly led to stress and that frustrated outburst: "Tell my sister to help me out!"

Jesus' response is the main takeaway, and it's super relevant today: "Martha, Martha, you’re stressed and distracted by a ton of things, but only one thing is really necessary. Mary figured out the better way—and no one can take that from her."

He wasn't saying her hard work (hospitality) was bad; he was pointing out that her anxiety was crowding out the chance to just hang out with Him. Mary chose the "good portion"—quality time, fully focused on Christ. That quiet connection is where all truly helpful action should start.

Later on, when her brother Lazarus died, Martha showed real grit. She confronted Jesus, saying, "Lord, if you'd been here..." In that moment of pure belief (not just activity), Jesus gave her that incredible promise: "I am the resurrection and the life."

Today, make a deliberate choice for the "good portion": carve out time to just be with Jesus. Let His presence be your solid ground.