Recently during my devotions I was reading chapter ten in the book of John in the New Testament. I was reminded of some very comforting things. First, our Shepherd, Jesus Christ, calls us by name and leads us. He does not drive us. He goes ahead of us, and all we have to do is follow Him. All we have to do is listen for His voice and follow Him (John 10:4).
I don't know about you, dear caregiver, but often I felt overwhelmed by the day to day challenges of care-giving. I also feared what the future held, as I saw my husband's body deteriorate step by step. In my weak human nature as a widow I still give way to fear at times when I think about the future. But God's Word clearly tells us that our Shepherd leads us. All we have to do is listen for His voice which we already know, and follow Him!
Our Shepherd also comes that we "may have life and have it to the full." Yes, even in the challenges and heartaches of care-giving or any other life trial, God's Word promises us joy and fullness. Joy in the Lord and pain can coexist. Remember other things often distract and even "steal and kill and destroy," but there is fullness of joy in the Lord. (John 10:10)
Our Shepherd loves us so much that He lay down His life for us, His sheep (John 10:11) He also knows us, His sheep, and the sheep know Him! This is the same kind of intimacy that exists between the Heavenly Father who knows the Son, Jesus Christ, and the Son who knows the Father (John 10:14-15).
Finally we as the Shepherd's sheep can never be snatched out of the Shepherd's hand! (John 10:28) Care-giving challenges and heartaches can weigh a caregiver's heart down. Other life challenges can as well. Know, however, dear caregiver, that nothing can snatch you out to the Shepherd's hand! Even if God takes you or your loved one to Himself in Heaven; you and your loved one are eternally secure, if you are truly His sheep,
If you are a child of God and one of His sheep, He goes ahead of you and leads the way. You also then have fullness of life, deep intimacy with the Shepherd, and eternal security because of His sacrifice on the cross. Is not that awesome comfort, dear caregiver?
The part of the post that I find very comforting is:"Finally we as the Shepherd's sheep can never be snatched out of the Shepherd's hand! (John 10:28)" Thanks! Debbie
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debra, for your comments. I am glad that you found the post to be a blessing. It is indeed a blessing to know that we can never be snatched out of the Shepherd's hand!
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