Oh NO!
Jim and I are both going through health issues. I have been living with chronic pain/illness for over 25 years, with the past 10 years mostly home-bound and needing assistance in my daily life. Now Jim is going through some serious health issues as well. So what do you do when your main care-giver needs assistance as well?
The other day when a family member called to check to see how Jim and I are feeling, she said, “This is so depressing. You two much be devastated!” I was a little taken back with that reaction at first, then I replied, “no way, maybe a little perplexed, but not depressed. God is in control. He will never allow us to go through more than we can handle.” Although to be honest, there are moments that I think to myself, “I wish God did not trust me enough to ‘handle’ this much!”
In all seriousness, I believe in the Sovereignty of God. That all things are under God’s rule and control, and nothing happens without His permission. God works not just some things but all things according to the guidance of His own will (Eph. 1:11). God’s purposes are all-inclusive and never thwarted (Isa. 46:11). There is nothing that takes Him by surprise. The sovereignty of God is not only that God has the power and right to rule all things, but that He does so, continually and without exception.
A.W. Pink said it beautifully in The Sovereignty of God, Chapter 1.
“What do we mean by [the sovereignty of God]? We mean the supremacy of God, the kingship of God, the god-hood of God. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that God is God. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the Most High, doing according to His will in the army of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth, so that none can stay His hand or say unto Him what doest Thou? (Dan. 4:35). To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the Almighty, the Possessor of all power in Heaven and earth, so that none can defeat His counsels, thwart His purpose, or resist His will (Psa. 115:3). To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is “The Governor among the nations” (Psa. 22:28), setting up kingdoms, overthrowing empires, and determining the course of dynasties as pleaseth Him best. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the “Only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords” (1 Tim. 6:15). Such is the God of the Bible.”
So what do you do when the care-giver needs a care-giver? You trust in the Sovereignty of God. I rest assured, “… that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NKJV)
Oh, Marsha, how I can relate to this one. I keep telling my husband he needs to take care of himself because I need him to help me. I know he will not always be able to help me carry things, make all those runs to the store for supplies, take out the trash, mow the lawn–and I wonder how we will survive. But I know, KNOW, that God is in control and that He will never leave me nor forsake me. It’s just that the hear and now, sometimes, is more than I can bear. I must push myself beyond what is physically comfortable–and sometimes what I think is physically possible–just to survive. And then I think of the people in the Bible who were crippled and had to sit at the gates and beg to survive. I’ve been worrying about my hubby not being able to work and bring in an income to keep me comfortable in my disabilities. My focus is all wrong. Instead of whining, I should find ways to minister, even when it feels my world and security are crumbling at my feet. Thanks for the reminder that God’s got it covered. No matter what.
Michelle, love you so much. Thanks for sharing your heart. Praying for you, and Jim. Asking God to gently care for the two of you.
You’ve been in my prayers, Michele. It is encouraging to read how you are trusting God at this time.
Bethany
I am so sorry Michelle. I will be praying for both of you. I think one of the biggest challenges in this journey is to learn to simply trust. You have a beautiful trusting heart, and He is oh so trustworthy.
How strong your Faith. If He takes you to it, I honestly believe He will take you through it.
What a wonderful testimony.
I will be praying for you.
Michele, I love your openness in being willing to talk about you disability so openly. Apparently I’ve been disabled for around 10 years, but like Karen, I just kept pushing through it. Over the past couple of years, I have spent more time praying that God would bring me closer to Him and to learn to be completely faithful. Oh, how I have learned to be careful for what I pray for. In January 2010, He put me in bed, and I have not been out for more than a couple of months at a time since then. I’ve slowly learned that being “with Him” is so much more beautiful than being anywhere else. People who have heard of my disability from others and then talked with me are shocked because I am in such good spirits; but like you, I have learned that God is sovereign (actually been reading that same book this year), and He will not take me anywhere that He has not prepared for me.
I am praying that God will provide both you and Jim with the strength and support that you need each day.
Life this side of heaven can be rough; and sometimes I ask God the “Why” question. But I also know that He is faithful and will see us through the rough times.
Thank you for sharing from your heart.