Here are three things I encourage our missionaries to do (but they can serve as helpful reminders for all of us): <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Take your physical health seriously.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Our effectiveness and longevity in ministry are just as directly related to our physical health as our spiritual health. Whatever your age or medical history, chances are you could be healthier than you are right now, and there are choices that you can make (to eat better, sleep better, get your body moving, etc.) to reduce your stress. The challenge is to do them intentionally and consistently! The main culprits behind much of our depression and fatigue are a poor diet, lack of exercise, and inadequate rest. The good news is these are things that we can change. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Start with just a few changes. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Have a plan and stick with it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Do it \u201cas unto the Lord\u201d \u2013 integrated with your other spiritual disciplines. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou made my body, Lord; now give me sense to heed your laws\u201d <\/em>(Psalm 119:73 TLB).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the biggest challenges for many in ministry is that we put all our effort into ministry, leaving too little time or energy to cultivate the relationships that breathe life back into us<\/strong> …<\/mark><\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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- Cultivate meaningful relationships.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
One of the biggest challenges for many in ministry is that we put all our effort into ministry, leaving too little time or energy to cultivate the relationships that breathe life back into us: our marriage, our family, our mentors, and healthy friendships. For missionaries, cultural and linguistic barriers can sometimes complicate cultivating healthy relationships. Once again, our longevity in ministry is directly related to the health of our relationships. No more excuses \u2013 just do it! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Plan social time on your calendar and keep it a priority. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Never stop making new friends or trying new things. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Recognize the people and activities that bring joy to your life. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another<\/em>\u201d (Prov 27:17 NIV).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Be careful what you choose to think about.<\/strong> <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
We can\u2019t choose what other people say about us or what they say to us, but we CAN choose what we allow ourselves to dwell on. Don\u2019t waste time or energy beating yourself up or constantly worrying about what other people think about you. Ultimately, we are ALL inadequate unless we learn to cooperate with God\u2019s purpose \u2013 and He will give us everything we need to fulfill that purpose. So much of the battle we face in ministry is won or lost in our thinking. But bringing God into the equation changes everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Feed your brain with truth. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Recognize the lies of the enemy. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Choose to think about what GOD SAYS! <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDon\u2019t copy the behavior and customs of this world\u2026 but let God transform you<\/em> into a new person by changing the way you think\u201d (Romans 12:2 NLT).<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let me encourage you today to take a moment and check in with a missionary or minister. A simple text, call, or email could be just the encouragement they need today. We\u2019re all in this together, and we were never meant to do it alone. I am so proud and grateful to be a part of our Open Bible family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAbout the Author<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- Be careful what you choose to think about.<\/strong> <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Cultivate meaningful relationships.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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