Do we have a responsibility to each other? Yes, here at Victory we do. We are our sister’s keeper. We must be concerned about our sister and her growth in the Lord.

Love – beloved we are to love one another: for love is of God, and every one that loves is born of God, and knows God. He that loves not knows not God; for God is love (I John 4:7-8). Love is patient and kind. Love is not just an emotion we feel, but rather an action we choose to do.

Support – We are a part of one another. When one hurts we all hurt. When one rejoices we are to all rejoice. One of the primary ways we can support one another is to pray for one another. If you miss seeing your sister, pray for her and perhaps give her a call and lovingly find out what’s going on and how you might be of help. To support one another we must step outside of ourselves and see our sister’s need.

Accountability – As Christian women we are not to live our lives as the women of the world. We live our lives by the standard of God’s word. Accountability means if I veer from the standard of the word, I give you the right to correct and help me get back on track as my sister in the family of God.

Reaching out – Our commission as God’s women is to compel others to come into a relationship with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

PRACTICAL AND SPIRITUAL SOLUTIONS TO COPING WITH STREET

Scripture reminds us to hand over our anxieties (or stress) to the Lord. “Cast your burden on the Lord. And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” (Psalm 55:22) NKJV. Making simple practical and spiritual changes can reduce stress and help improve your overall health.

Practical

•  Find a balance- do some things that are comfortably busy without getting overwhelmed. 

•  Be kind to yourself- Stress is a normal reaction to the difficulties of life.

•  When needed, talk to people you trust before your stress levels escalate. Reach out to a friend, prayer partner, family member, and church

   leaders/minister/pastor.

•  Keep a journal – reflect on your day. Write down thoughts and feelings you’re having. This can be helpful in understanding yourself.

•  Eat well – Proper nutrition helps when managing stress. Include vitamin supplements, vitamin B is recommended for stress.

•  Exercise regularly – regular physical activity can improve your overall health and reduce stress. When you exercise your body releases

   endorphins.

•  Get plenty of rest –your ability to manage stress decreases when you’re tired. 9 hours recommended each night. If you struggle with sleep

   build in periods of rest during the day.

•  Practice relaxation exercises, deep, slow breathing, muscle relaxation exercises (suggested 3 minutes – 3 times a day).

•  Get prayed for and see a professional if you need to.

Spiritual

•  Pray – Talk aloud to Jesus about what is going on in your life.

•  Meditate on scriptures, until they get in your mind and spirit.

•  It can help to pray with another believer.

•  Let the Holy Spirit help you identify the triggers – being able to identify the cause of stress in your life will help you take authority over it.

•  Apply and take comfort in the following scriptures– (Ephesians 6: 10-17; Matthews 11:28-30; Psalms 23; Psalms 91).

•  Pray in the Spirit according to Jude 20 and Eph. 6:18.

•  Let your spiritual leaders know if you can’t seem to get free.

—by Pastor Caren Susberry, October 2020