“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith will not fail” (Luke 22:31).
Panic, schedule, tension, lack of focus, and … not sleeping well, not resting, relationship challenges, and mistakes can all be a part of too much stress. Also, there is a very real enemy out there that does not like us, or anything we attempt to do for God’s kingdom.
Just a couple of reminders:
- When the enemy attacks you: Remember that you have the prayers of Jesus backing you and helping you continue with the good thing God has called you to do. In the case of Peter, “Satan demanded to have [him]” … the same is likely the case for you. Satan wanted to sift him like wheat … shake him up, push him around, and cause his emotional skin to fall apart. Satan didn’t get his way because Jesus cared about Peter, and he cares for you. He will protect you from the enemy of your soul. The enemy can only do so much (see 1 Cor. 10:13).
- You have a responsibility to care for yourself. Remember, you are the controller of your decisions, steps of faith, time, and the care for your body, emotions and spirit. The wonderful prayers of Jesus for you are one thing … you’re caring for “you” is another. Remember, if you don’t take care of you … who will? If you don’t start today … when will you begin?
Think about this:
- People sleep 2:1/2 fewer hours each night than people did a hundred years ago. You are sleeping less than your grandparents did.
- The average workweek is longer now than it was in the 1960s
- The average office worker has 36 hours of work piled up on his or her desk, or on their computer, and it takes us three hours a week to just sort through it and find out what we are to do.
- We spend eight months of our lives opening junk mail or email, two years of our life playing phone tag with people who are too busy, or who are not answering, or waiting for people, who are trying to do too much and are late for meetings.
“The conditions of modern-day living devour margin. If you’re homeless we direct you to a shelter. If you’re penniless we offer you food stamps, if you’re breathless we connect you to oxygen. But if you’re margin less, we get one more thing to do. Margin less is not having time to finish the book you are reading on stress. Margin is having the time to read it twice. Margin less is part of our culture. Margin is counter-culture, having some space in your life. Margin less is the disease of our decade and margin is the cure.”[1]
THE IMMEDIATE BENEFITS OF Rest—Margin—and balance: Dr. Swenson … illustrates these truths …
- Peace of mind
- Better Health
- Stronger relationships
- Usefulness in ministry
The stress of our work and being a leader is significant. The strength God offers is without boundaries. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:10-11).
Just some thoughts that I have needed to apply to my life (over the years). Always know that I am your friend and servant in Christ.
Dr. Wayde