October 25
Life as a caregiver is like riding a rollercoaster. Our medical team warned us of this early and often. One of the things I realized after awhile is that when the ride is smooth you are often recovering from the bumpy parts. Then the smooth gives way to the next dip and the cycle continues.
I heard a testimony a while back that reminded me of this scenario. Though it was a different situation for our sister in Christ, she spent a lot of her life worrying. Everything in her family revolved around the safety of their loved ones—to a debilitating degree. Then she would see them safe and rejoice, only to be terrified once again at their departure. She had convinced herself that she could control the situation through any number of actions that had nothing to do with God.
And that is where I saw part of myself as a caregiver. Worry has never been a stumbling block for me like it was for her. But she and I shared the struggle of keeping our eyes on our Lord and Savior and not the things of this world. We can fall into all manner of vices when we forget who is in control, and we convince ourselves that we cannot endure the things that may happen. But that is not the spirit of faith. “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Cor. 4: 8-9
I don’t know what your personal struggle is today. It may be worry, exhaustion, fear, or any number of other things that keep you bouncing down a bumpy path. Realize that the ride is only temporary. We do not need to lose heart in the dips and valleys because God renews us day by day. The rollercoaster ride will end and our real prize will be in Heaven.
Prayer for today:
Heavenly Father, help me in my human weakness to remember that my trials are a refining fire preparing me for your presence. Your weight of glory is beyond comparison to any treasures here on earth. Renew me today with the Holy Spirit so that I may shine the light of the knowledge of your glory. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Feel free to take a moment in worship. This song is based on 2 Cor. 4:17-18.
