Do you ever feel like you’re constantly running on empty? Like no matter how much you do, there’s always more that needs your attention? The to-do lists never end. The obligations never stop. And deep down, you wonder if this is what life is supposed to feel like – exhausting, overwhelming, and stretched so thin that you barely recognize yourself.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. So many Christian women feel the weight of expectations – some from others, but many they’ve placed on themselves. They say yes when they should say no. They take on more than God ever asked them to carry. And in the process, they mistake busyness for faithfulness.
But here’s the truth: God is not glorified in your exhaustion. He’s not impressed by an overbooked calendar. And maybe – just maybe – He is actually offering you more by calling you to do less.
The Trap of Doing Too Much
We live in a culture that celebrates productivity. The more you do, the more valuable you appear. But the Kingdom of God operates differently.
Think about Mary and Martha. Martha was busy serving – doing what she thought was necessary, what she thought was expected of her. But Mary? She sat at Jesus’ feet, fully present, soaking in His words.
When Martha complained, expecting Jesus to side with her, He gently corrected her:
“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, NIV)
Mary chose what was better. Not because serving is bad, but because in that moment, being with Jesus was more important than doing for Jesus.
How often do we make the same mistake as Martha? We fill our days with obligations, tasks, and responsibilities, thinking we’re being good stewards of our time. But in reality, we’re so consumed with doing that we miss the invitation to simply be – with Him, in His presence, hearing His voice.
The Power of Saying No
One of the biggest reasons women stay overwhelmed is because they struggle to say no.
We say yes out of guilt.
We say yes out of fear – fear of letting someone down, fear of being seen as less than capable.
We say yes because we don’t stop long enough to ask God if it’s even something we should be doing.
But Jesus never said yes to everything. He prioritized. He rested. He stepped away from the crowds to pray.
If the Son of God didn’t do everything, why do we think we should?
Saying no isn’t selfish. It’s stewardship. It’s making space for what truly matters. It’s refusing to carry burdens God never assigned to you.
How to Start Doing Less (So You Can Receive More)
If you’re realizing that you’ve been caught in the cycle of doing too much, here are three practical steps to start doing less – so you can receive more of what God actually has for you.
1. Pause and Pray Before You Commit
Before automatically saying yes to a request, take a moment to pray about it. Ask God:
- Is this something You want me to do?
- Does this align with the calling You’ve given me?
- Will this bring me closer to You, or will it drain me?
If the answer isn’t a clear yes from God, then it’s a no.
2. Create Space for Rest and Reflection
Rest isn’t a luxury – it’s a command. When God established the Sabbath, He did it because He knew we needed it. Not just physical rest, but spiritual renewal.
Schedule time to be with God, to journal, to sit quietly in His presence. Let Him refresh you. Your soul wasn’t made to run on fumes.
3. Release What’s Not Yours to Carry
There are good things that aren’t God things for you. Sometimes, we hold onto responsibilities that aren’t even ours, simply because we don’t want to disappoint others.
But what if someone else is supposed to step into that role? What if, by always saying yes, you’re actually preventing someone else from stepping up?
Ask God what you need to release. And then, let it go.
More of What Matters
Doing less doesn’t mean you aren’t making an impact. It means you’re making room for what actually matters. It means creating space for deeper connection with God, for clarity in your purpose, and for the peace that comes from knowing you’re operating within His will – not just your own expectations.
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or burned out, consider this: maybe God isn’t asking you to do more. Maybe He’s inviting you to do less – so you can receive more of Him.
