Navigating Health Needs at Home and On the Field

As women serving in ministry, we inevitably face physical, emotional, and mental challenges, especially as foreign missionaries. Illness, fatigue, chronic pain, limited resources, and the daily wear of cross-cultural life all impact how we serve and how we live.

These issues we face are real and shouldn’t be ignored. Pushing through and pretending like they don’t exist isn’t the right plan of action. If we are breathing, these challenges will persist.

But Scripture, history, and the testimonies of faithful missionary women remind us of a powerful truth: God isn’t limited by our limitations.

He desires to work through our weakness to show His strength. We know this, but we live like we don’t. We tend to wallow in our weakness. In this series, we will explore:

• How to approach health needs biblically in a life of ministry
• Lessons from women who served faithfully through suffering
• Caring for our bodies wisely—not for self, but for gospel impact
• Hopefully we will finish with our hearts strengthened and our vision to serve the Lord renewed; so we can serve God joyfully, wisely, and fully surrendered.

How to approach health needs biblically in a life of ministry

Understanding our makeup

We are composed of 3 parts: Scripture teaches us that humans are composed of three distinct, yet unified parts: body, soul and spirit.

1 Thes. 5:23 - And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Part

Description

Body   Physical aspect—our earthly tent

Soul   Emotions, mind, will—our personality and self

Spirit   Our inner connection to God—where new birth happens

These parts are distinct but interconnected. When one suffers, the others are impacted. Therefore, bodily health matters for our soul’s peace and our spirit’s vitality.

Biblical Reasons to Care for the Body

The Bible gives us several reasons to care for our bodies. First, your body is a temple. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 we read, “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” The Holy Spirit dwells in your physical body, so mistreating your body is dishonoring to God. Your health habits can either serve or hinder your ability to minister and worship.

Second, your body is a living sacrifice. Romans 12:1 says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Sacrifices in the Old Testament were offered without blemish, they were “holy, acceptable to God”. In the same way, your body is to be offered intentionally and honorably. Good health increases your energy, clarity, and resilience in your service to God and others.

Third, the body is essential for God’s work. Philippians 1:22 says, “But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.” You can’t ignore your body, because you serve the Lord with it. A healthy body extends your ability to teach, serve, encourage, and lead.

Fourth, Jesus cared for people’s physical needs. He healed, fed, and touched people in physical ways. His ministry reflects that God values the physical, not just the spiritual.

Fifth, we will be resurrected in glorified bodies. The future resurrection of the body shows that God’s plan for us is not disembodied spirits, but redeemed, eternal bodies. This gives dignity to the body now.

It’s not spiritual to ignore your body! Have I convinced you that caring for your body is an important part of ministering?

And this is only one part of our tripartite being. In this series, we won’t fully explore our soul and spirit; but it’s important to remember that emotional exhaustion and stress often begin with physical neglect. Mental clarity is tied to physical rhythms, so don’t neglect rest and times of reflection. Spiritual disciplines also flourish in a well-supported vessel. So, take care of your soul and spirit too! If you don’t, you’ll see the negative consequences in your body.

We are body, soul, and spirit—created by God, redeemed by Christ, and empowered by the Spirit to glorify Him with our whole being.

So, take care of your soul and spirit too! If you don’t, you’ll see the negative consequences in your body.

Stay tuned for more truths on navigating health needs at home and on the field.