Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died.
—Acts 9:36–37

I hope you realize that ministry is not just preaching and teaching. Ministry is also what you do in your daily routine. Dorcas was a disciple of the Lord Jesus who was in the habit of making widows' coats and garments. Her ministry was taking care of the poor. She gave and gave and took care of everyone else and finally collapsed and died helping everybody but herself.

Perhaps the greatest challenge we face in managing our lives is learning to live a balanced life. The beginning of that learning comes with a recognition that we are triune beings—spirit, soul, and body. The spirit has a need for both taking in nourishment and giving out ministry. The mind requires both tranquility and stimulation. And the body needs rest and exercise. If you are depleted in any of these areas, you need to do what's necessary to replenish yourself. You can't give out what you don't have.

You must be the monitor of your own needs and limitations. There is only so much of your life you can give out. Set realistic expectations. Know what you can do as well as how much you can do. Making too many withdrawals and not enough deposits will leave you empty, discouraged, and exhausted. The damage may be to your health or to relationships you value highly.

You have a decision to make about every opportunity, challenge, or request that comes your way. "No" is a complete sentence. You must be firm in saying no when something comes your way does not fall into your limited set of priorities and does not help you fulfill God's purpose for your life—regardless of who asks. Say no if saying yes will cause a withdrawal that cannot be balanced with an adequate deposit of time, energy, and commitment.

God gives to givers; He loves lovers, and He nurtures nurturers. In grace and mercy, He sent Peter to pray for Dorcas, and she came back to life with one word: "Arise." If life is draining you, the Holy Spirit will hook you up with an IV and replenish you. Jesus said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). David said that the Lord was his Shepherd, who made him lie down in green pastures and led him beside still waters (Psalm 23:1–2). Only God knows what we need, and only God can restore our souls.

Keep your life in balance so you can move into your God-given destiny of ministry on this earth!

Related Texts: Joshua 1:8–9; Psalm 32:8; Jeremiah 29:11–13; Matthew 5:13–14; 6:21, 24; Colossians 3:17