Day 337: 3 John 1–4

Dear friend, I pray that you may prosper in every way and be in good health, just as your soul prospers (v. 2).

God has taught me serious lessons about the impact my physical body has on both my soul and my spirit. Think about the soul for a moment. If my body is completely exhausted, my soul is deeply affected and over time can absorb the physical weariness and translate it into depression or feelings of hopelessness. If we eat poorly, we can fuel anxiety and fear. Most of us know that stress is linked to heart problems, high blood pressure, and many digestive problems. As long as our souls and spirits are imprisoned in these physical bodies, they are greatly affected by their condition.

You and I live stressful lives. I’ve heard many of your testimonies, and I am astounded at some of your challenges. Some of you work all day, then tend a sick loved one all night. Others of you hold down several jobs as you try to keep your children in college. I often hear from young mothers who have three or four children under five years old. Now that’s stress! I can’t even imagine some of your challenges. I never dreamed I would have the challenges I face today. I am so grateful and humbled by God’s present calling on my life to minister to women, but I will not kid you. It is work! Yes, God does most of it all by Himself, but the little He requires from me is everything I’ve got!

My dear co-laborer, you and I cannot effectively fulfill our callings if we don’t watch after our health. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Each of us faces a life beyond our natural capabilities. My calendar is overwhelming, and I take each scheduled date very seriously. If I end up with a virus and can’t make a conference that was scheduled a year earlier, I am devastated. If I’m going to be faithful to you, I’ve got to cooperate with God and do my part.

Listen, we live in a hard world. That’s why I’m convinced that one of our severest needs is pure rest. Not only sleep, but refreshment and recreation. So if you have guts enough not to disconnect and hide from the overwhelming needs out there, you need to add some Sabbath moments into your life to help you keep your head on straight. Start taking them! Hear me, dear friend—“I pray that you may prosper in every way and be in good health, just as your soul prospers” (hcsb).