Women in Ministry: Protecting Our
Gift
-Karla Robinson, MD
Women are nurturers. God
designed us this way. We
nurture, serve and protect our
families, friends, and loved
ones. As women in ministry it
is no different. We nurture,
serve, and protect our leaders
and our fellow ministry
workers, and we diligently work
to advance the Kingdom of
God. We give of ourselves
tirelessly. Or do we?
Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for
in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
This notion that women should operate tirelessly, is a
faulty one. It’s unnatural, it’s not biblical, and it’s not
healthy. Psalm 4:8 tells us that we find peace in our
sleep, because with God we can rest in safety. There is
even reference to “sweet sleep” in Proverbs 3:24.
There is no doubt that sleep is necessary for the body
to grow, function, and operate appropriately. Research
shows us that those with sleep deprivation suffer
from fatigue, poor attention, lack of concentration,
motivation, and decreased functioning during the
daytime or waking hours. But there are also significant
physical effects. Studies have shown a link between
a lack of sleep and high blood pressure, depression,
anxiety, and heart disease.
Galatians 6:9 is clear. We need to protect ourselves
from growing weary—even in well doing. Yes, that
means even in serving, even in leading, even in our
ministry work. Simply put, we need to protect our
gift. We need to protect our unique gift as women, as
ministry workers, and as leaders.
As women in ministry we have to be careful to
recharge, renew and release the stress that so often
plagues us. This is a perpetual process. In fact, the
Word tells us to renew our minds, and reminds us that
we should strive to renew our inner man day by day
(Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 4:16).
Here are some tips to help you to reduce the stress,
renew your mind, and live a healthy life that allows you
to flourish in your gifting of leadership.
• Identify your stressors. How can you change or
eliminate them if you don’t know what they are?
Find out what worries you, then follow the charge
in 1 Peter 5:7 and cast all your cares upon Him,
because He cares for you.
• Avoid the stressors you can; change your reaction
to the ones you can’t. There are some stressors that
we simply can’t avoid, but try not getting as worked
up about them next time. Try to see God’s hand
in every situation; it’s not easy, and takes practice.
Remember all things work together for good for
those called according to His purpose.
• Practice forgiveness. Commit to ending the
grudges that we carry and set the differences aside.
Learn to forgive. Forgiveness is really for your
benefit, not the other person’s. Ephesians 4:32
reminds us to forgive as Christ has forgiven us.
• Exercise. Having a regular exercise routine is a
great stress reliever. It will help you feel better, look
better, and decrease your risk of developing heart
disease. Aim for a goal of at least 45 minutes per
day, at least 4-5 days per week after consulting with
your physician.
• Laughter. There is nothing wrong with unwinding
and having a good time. Laughter has been shown
to reduce the levels of stress hormones in the
blood. Laughter really is the best medicine.
• Be realistic when making plans. Take charge of
your schedule. Don’t over commit. Know your
limits, and learn to say “no.” Prioritize and do
things in order of their importance. You’ll be more
effective and efficient for the Kingdom.