We are all familiar with the little word "stress." What is stress? Stress is actually normal for an individual to experience since stress can act positively to motivate us to do things. The adrenaline rush keeps us alive and excited. Stress is present in everyday life; in fact, the sources of stress are varied. For example, worrying so much about the future can cause stress as well as too much work .The effects of stress can be either fatal (e.g. high blood pressure, depression, ulcers, etc.) or fantastic (e.g. cramming in making a paper to beat a deadline; this one can inspire someone in a moment's notice). It is up to the individual to learn how to harness its benefits and to avoid its risks (Hanson, 1998).
[...] Learning how to handle or manage stress is necessary especially for ministers/pastors and church leaders who oversee God's flock. Ministry is composed of people and people give stress since organizations always have conflict due to human nature. The key then to manage and thrive under stress is having control. Controlling your stress level is crucial to functioning and surviving well in the ministry. No pastor can control people eventually, but he can manage and control his stress level and responses. [...]
[...] A pastor or any person for that matter who had a good night's sleep not only looks good, but feels good and is good to others. Angelic help (vv. 5-8). Angels are ministering spirits and God sends them to help His people in certain times and on certain occasions. The presence of angels could help relieve stress. Jesus Himself received help from angels during one of His lowest moments (Mt. 4:11). That some have entertained angels unawares is not only mentioned in Scripture (Heb. [...]
[...] To have someone like Onesiphorus and his family in a church today can greatly lessen the stress of a minister. Members who can empathize, understand and know their pastor are indeed rare, but God made many of them and every church have one or more. Refreshers are God's conduit of grace and beauty in a world and church gone mad and awry. God Himself, the knowledge of Him (not only about Him) and some people who have a ministry of refreshing from Him can enliven and empower every minister of Christ. [...]
[...] The prophet, discouraged and burdened with too much stress prayed that God would kill him - requested for himself that he might die; and said, it is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers” Kings 19:4). Obviously, God knew better and it only took a good sleep, a hearty meal and some encouraging words and made the prophet back to his feet again. Paul after years of ministry declares besides those things that are without, there is the daily [inescapable pressure] of my care and anxiety for all the churches!” Cor. [...]
[...] “Distress” in particular (stenochoria) indicates narrowness of place, and metaphorically it means “dire calamity and extreme affliction.” In the same book in 12:10 he added, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” Stress made Paul better in character and effective in ministry. It was in his stress that the power of Christ manifested in his life and ministry. Paul too gave some advice to the Corinthians how to battle stress. [...]
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