Don't Sweat the Small Things

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in ministry, it’s that God has a way of humbling the control-freak in all of us. Whether it’s the kind who needs every napkin straightened before company arrives, or the kind who secretly believes they can “help God out” by speeding up His promises—He loves us enough to teach us peace over panic.

Let’s start with Martha.

Martha: The Overachiever with a To-Do List

Martha was one of Jesus’ closest friends. She welcomed Him into her home and immediately went into “host mode.” You know the type—checking the oven, refilling the water pitcher, straightening the tablecloth, and trying to make sure everything was perfect for Jesus.

But Luke tells us, “Martha was distracted with all her preparations.” And when her frustration finally boiled over, she snapped:

“Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Tell her to help me!”

I imagine Jesus smiled softly when He said her name twice—“Martha, Martha…”—because He wasn’t scolding her. He was inviting her to rest.

“You are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good part, and it will not be taken away from her.”

That “good part” wasn’t just stillness—it was presence. Martha wanted everything to be right for Jesus, but Mary simply wanted to be with Jesus.

And here’s the truth: when we learn to sit still at His feet, the kitchen mess doesn’t matter as much. The heart of hospitality isn’t the perfect table—it’s the peaceful soul.

Sarah: The Impatient Promise Keeper

Now, let’s shift to another control-freak of Scripture—Sarah.

When God promised Abraham that He would make him the father of many nations, Sarah believed at first. But after years passed with no sign of a child, her faith began to wear thin. She decided to “help God out” by giving Abraham her maidservant, Hagar, to bear a child.

That plan worked… sort of. Ishmael was born—but he wasn’t the fulfillment of God’s promise. Thirteen years later, Sarah gave birth to Isaac, the true son of promise.

If we’re honest, most of us have an “Ishmael moment” or two in our lives—those times when we try to control outcomes because God’s timing feels too slow. Sarah’s story reminds us that impatience can produce heartache, but God’s promises never expire.

As Peter later wrote,

“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you…” (2 Peter 3:9)

God doesn’t forget His promises—He fulfills them when the time is right.

Control and the Illusion of Security

Whether you relate more to Martha’s anxiety or Sarah’s impatience, the root is often the same: control. We crave it because it gives the illusion of safety. But control is a cheap substitute for trust.

When we try to hold everything together ourselves, we often end up holding onto things God never asked us to carry.

It’s no wonder Jesus told Martha that only one thing is necessary. That one thing is the presence of God—the “good portion” that can never be taken away.

The Good Portion: Our True Inheritance

In the Old Testament, inheritance wasn’t just land or wealth—it was God Himself. Jeremiah 10:16 says,

“And Israel is the tribe of His inheritance.”

Through Jesus, we inherit that same portion—His presence, His peace, His Spirit within us. The Holy Spirit comforts us, advocates for us, and sets a fire in us that anxiety can’t extinguish.

When you remember that God Himself is your inheritance, the pressure to control everything fades. The same God who keeps the stars in their orbits is quite capable of managing your calendar, your calling, and your chaos.

So What Do We Do with All This?

Let me put it simply:

• Sit at Jesus’ feet more often than you stand at the stove.
• Let patience take the wheel when your plans fall apart.
• Trust that God’s timing is perfect, even when it feels painfully slow.
• And when your inner control-freak wants to take over—remember, He’s already got it handled.

Don’t sweat the small stuff. God’s got the big stuff, too.

At the end of the day, Martha learned to listen, and Sarah learned to laugh—literally, because Isaac’s name means laughter. That’s what happens when we let go of control: peace moves in, joy sneaks back, and our hearts finally rest.



So, the next time you feel like you’re holding the world together with duct tape and determination, take a deep breath and whisper: “Lord, You are my portion. Help me to choose the good part today.”