Ever start the week with a plan… and by Tuesday, that plan is in the trash?

The errands, the emails, the texts, the unexpected needs—it all adds up. And before you know it, you’re overwhelmed, exhausted, and wondering how your “normal” week turned into total chaos.

I listen to Elevation Church’s Podcast on my way into work on Monday mornings. Pastor Steven Furtick did a series of people in the bible where God called their name twice.

In Luke 10, we meet Martha—who honestly might’ve had a to-do list that looked a lot like ours. She was busy, distracted, trying to take care of everything. But the Bible says something deeper: she was “pulled apart.”

Oof. Been there.

And while Martha was rattling off everything that needed to get done, her sister Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet, just listening. Not listing, not planning—listening.

One was focused on her agenda; the other was focused on His.
Which one does your prayer life look like lately?

Pastor Furtick used this simple equation (and I’m not even a math gal and I got it!)
Your expectations + someone else’s limitations – grace = a recipe for resentment.

Sometimes we’re frustrated not because we’re doing too much, but because we’re doing things God never asked us to. The enemy loves using busyness to keep us distracted—and disconnected from the real mission.

John 11, we see Martha again—and this time, she’s different. She still doesn’t understand everything, but she trusts Jesus. She says, “Even now, I know…”

Commentary on Mary & Martha from John

That’s a woman who’s traded her agenda for His. How many times have I done that this week?                   (“I call that an Ouchy question cause that one hurt!)

So maybe today’s the day to take a second look at your to-do list and ask:
“Is this God’s list, or just mine?”

Because here’s the truth:
If God calls you to it, He’ll give you what you need to walk through it.
And if you’re running on empty, it might be time to stop listing… and start listening.

7 Lessons for When Your Plans DON’T go as Planned