Blessings in the Struggles

I have felt recently that history was repeating itself.  My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer.  As you may know, if you are a long-time reader of my blog; I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 in the midst of my care-giving days for my husband.  I write about this in my post back in April of 2012 which you can find here:  http://christiancaregiving.blogspot.com/2012/04/preparation-for-valley-of-caregiving.html

When I recently visited my sister just prior to her surgery I saw a sense of peace in my sister that I too felt during those days.  That is not to say that that she and I did not and do not have negative feelings and feelings of fear when trials come into our lives, but we as believers have the Lord Jesus to whom to run in those trials.  Christians are not free from heartache-far from it.   Yet having the Lord as our friend and having the promises of His Word makes all the difference in the world.

Watching my husband's body deteriorate during the four and a half years since his diagnosis in 2006, being diagnosed with breast cancer myself in 2007, and then losing my husband to death in early 2011 have been huge trials in my life. Yet God has been faithful to me in all of it.  My love for Him and faith has grown sweeter through the process.  It has also been a means by which I have been able to help others who are struggling.

Jesus understands our grief and worries and agitated spirits.  Yet He says to us in John 14:1, "Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God.  Trust also in Me." Dear Caregiver, I know that care-giving can be very challenging and even discouraging at times.  Know that the Lord will be faithful and will be with you each step of the way.  He is drawing you and your loved one for whom you are caring closer to Himself through the difficulties.  He is shaping your character through this experience to be more like Jesus.  He is also preparing you to be better equipped for future service in His kingdom. Rest in Him.   Dare I say to embrace the trials for all the good things God will bring from them?

As a footnote I will say that my sister is recovering from her surgery that she had a couple days ago. It appears as if she will not have to have further treatment.  Pray for her as she heals in the days ahead.  Also pray for me as I seek to minister and show love to her as her sister and a "caregiver" who lives 500 miles away from her.