This week's blog post prayer is for those who are family caregivers for years on end or have found themselves a caregiver for a second or third time. It is the caregiver's questions for the Lord and His answers in Scripture.
Dear Lord, why do I find myself in this position as family caregiver for so many years or once again? If I have to undergo trials, why this one?
Because, my child, I have planted you in this area of service for a purpose. "Each one should use whatever gift he (or she) has received to serve others faithfully administrating God's grace.----If anyone serves, he (or she) should do it with the strength God provides. so that in all things God will be praised through Jesus Christ." (I Peter 4:10-11) Dear child of mine, I know what area of service and trial is best for your spiritual growth and for your love for Me to become more intimate and sweet.
But, Lord, I am so tired.
My child, I have said, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-29) Yoke yourself with Me, and I will carry the burden. This involves surrender. It involves resting in Me and not resisting, but the blessings are wonderful. If you rest in Me, I will take your exhaustion and uncertainty and turn it into calm expectation.
But Lord, aside from the tiredness, I also feel so weak and unqualified for this.
"You are My servant, I have chosen you---So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold with My righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:9b10) I have also said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5b)
Yes, Lord, but what about the heartache and less than pleasant moments of dealing with my loved one's illness?
I have said that I may allow grief at times, but I will also show compassion and My great love is unfailing. (Lamentations 3:32) "In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) Also I have promised to someday wipe away every tear. I have said that on that day when I return for you "there will be no death, or mourning or crying or pain." (Revelation 21:4)
But, Lord, what about the huge personal cost and sacrifice this care-giving involves for me?
My child, I came to this earth from a beautiful place in Heaven with the Father. I took on humanity, and I identified with my chosen people. I washed the disciples' feet as an example, and I died on the cruel cross for you. I, Jesus Christ, "being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped." I emptied myself and made my self nothing "taking the very nature of a servant---and became obedient to death even death on a cross." (Philippians 2:8) When you see what I did for you, your attitude should be the same as mine in your service to others. "I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master---Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." (John 13:16-17)
How can I have joy and peace in the middle of difficult moments, Lord?
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again; Rejoice!---The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God---" (Philippians 4:7) Also think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. "And the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:8-9)
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