November 19th, 2025
Wednesday, November 19th
Trusting or Striving?
By Nicole Goddard
Having a “Type A” personality that naturally caters towards striving and hustling has gotten me into trouble with feelings of anxiety and believing everything is on me. I relate more to a squirrel in the fall preparing for winter, than I do than the whimsical birds that Pastor Todd referenced in Matthew 6:26 this past weekend. The enemy loves to encourage ideas that I have to figure it all out on my own and convince me that everything will fall apart if I don’t.
The book of Luke shares a relatable story of Mary & Martha - two sisters that took different approaches to welcoming Jesus in their home. Mary fell at the feet of Jesus hanging onto his every word, while Martha bustled around with resentment and bitterness over the demands of hosting.
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10: 41-42
Martha’s fixation on trivial things was distracting her from the very gift of God in front of her. Jesus didn’t discredit Martha’s tasks, but rather, spoke to quarrel of worry and control within her heart.
If you happen to be a bit like me, know that God didn’t make Martha, you or I this way by accident and we can certainly use our gifts for his kingdom. But as we tackle our plans and to do lists, are we trusting in him to provide? Or are we secretly fearing he won’t and are striving to fill in self-perceived gaps?
Let us seek him first with trust that he will provide our every need.
Trusting or Striving?
By Nicole Goddard
Having a “Type A” personality that naturally caters towards striving and hustling has gotten me into trouble with feelings of anxiety and believing everything is on me. I relate more to a squirrel in the fall preparing for winter, than I do than the whimsical birds that Pastor Todd referenced in Matthew 6:26 this past weekend. The enemy loves to encourage ideas that I have to figure it all out on my own and convince me that everything will fall apart if I don’t.
The book of Luke shares a relatable story of Mary & Martha - two sisters that took different approaches to welcoming Jesus in their home. Mary fell at the feet of Jesus hanging onto his every word, while Martha bustled around with resentment and bitterness over the demands of hosting.
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10: 41-42
Martha’s fixation on trivial things was distracting her from the very gift of God in front of her. Jesus didn’t discredit Martha’s tasks, but rather, spoke to quarrel of worry and control within her heart.
If you happen to be a bit like me, know that God didn’t make Martha, you or I this way by accident and we can certainly use our gifts for his kingdom. But as we tackle our plans and to do lists, are we trusting in him to provide? Or are we secretly fearing he won’t and are striving to fill in self-perceived gaps?
Let us seek him first with trust that he will provide our every need.
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