As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
In this passage, Martha gives us the perfect illustration of what living without margin looks like. Martha was so distracted preparing for Jesus’ visit that she forgot the most important thing—simply spending time with Jesus.
- When margin decreases, stress increases. What are some of the things that currently cause you the most stress? How is that stress affecting your life?
- What are some specific ways you can begin the process of reducing stress in your life?
- When margin decreases, your relational intimacy decreases. How have you seen your intimacy with God and others decrease as a result of not having margin in your life?
- A lack of margin is a reflection of a lack of faith. In what areas of your life do you need to place more faith in God?
- A lack of margin is also a reflection of idolatry. What are some of things you are placing before God? How will you go about putting God first?
Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.
Wednesday, November 3rd – Read Isaiah 58:11
The Lord will guide you continually,
giving you water when you are dry
and restoring your strength.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like an ever-flowing spring.
Thursday, November 4th – Read Matthew 11:28-29
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
These verses tell us that if we come to Jesus and be still and rest before Him, our souls will be satisfied.
- How have you found rest and comfort through Christ? How did that rest ultimately lead to satisfaction?
- While it sounds simple, why do you think it is so difficult for many of us to rest and be still before Christ?
Friday, November 5th – Next Steps – Read Joshua 24:14-15
So fear the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord alone. But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.
Here are some specific things you can do to take a step toward living life with the margin God intends for your life.
Take time to rest and be with Christ. This time could consist of praying, reading the Bible, or just enjoying some quiet time alone. Be creative. Remove the distractions for just a little while and allow Him an opportunity to renew your soul and your mind.
Begin the process of reducing some of the stress in your life. Identify one or more things that are creating too much stress and create a plan to reduce that stress. Not only write down your plan of action, but have someone hold you accountable as you carry out your plan.
Saturday, November 6th – Prayer Focus – Read Matthew 6:33
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Use these prayer tips to guide your time with God:
- Bring to God those areas of your life that are causing stress. Ask God to help you in removing that stress.
- Seek God’s guidance through prayer of ways He wants to create more margin in your life.
- Confess to God in prayer those things that you are placing ahead of Him. Commit to God that you will put Him first.
- Be still and rest before God during your prayer time. Allow Him to comfort you and renew your mind and soul.
- Lay your burdens down before God in prayer. Tell Him what is weighing you down and trust Him to carry them for you. Seek His comfort and love.
Credit: We used, revised, and added to material from Life Church.
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