God Cares Even When Your Pain Doesn't End

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.  But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12: 8,9

I was so blessed today to sit under the teaching of Pastor Falwell at the Thomas Road Baptist Church.  He spoke on several scriptures penned by the apostle Paul but these two and what he said about them hit me above all else he said. 

He explained that Paul begged God to remove the thorn from his side or in other words his problem, but God didn't.  Instead, God told him that His grace would be enough and that His power would show best while Paul was at his weakest!  Ugh!  Not exactly what Paul wanted to hear nor what we want to hear either. 

Over 7 years ago I prayed and like Paul begged God to heal Brian's heart but that is not what happened.  Brian is being healed day by day but continues to suffer with heart failure and its effects.  I continue to pray and trust knowing full well that what God said to Paul was true.  God's amazing grace and power have been more than enough for us and continues to sustain us even today!  

Don't you ever think that God doesn't love you or care when your pain doesn't end.  Just because God doesn't remove your thorn doesn't mean He has forgotten you.  Continue to praise Him and follow Him.  Listen to me, dear friend, for I speak from experience!

Filling Your Cup

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Psalm 23;5

I found several years ago that as a caregiver I was pouring into others 24/7 yet unable to find the time or resources to do the same for myself.  I was making sure the needs of my husband and daughter were being met but was neglecting my own mental and physical health.  

I can still remember the first time I went for a physical after my husband was diagnosed with heart failure.  I was feeling very tired and just wasn't able to remember simple things. The shock came when I realized three years had passed since my last physical exam!  I had definitely neglected my physical health while making sure my husband and daughter received the best health care possible. 

My doctor also made an appointment for me to see a Christian psychologist in order to have private healthy conversations about my emotions after nearly loosing my 28 year old husband, virtually raising our 4 year old own my own, facing difficulty in our finances, and working full time while all this took place!  Until this time I thought only crazy people did things like this but now I know people who refuse to get help are the ones who are crazy!  I continued this for several months. It was one of the best things I did for myself and in turn for my husband and daughter.  

I also realized that it was important for our family and me to get away from the trials of our normal routine whenever possible and take vacations. These special times always served as something I could look forward to with great anticipation on those tough days and then during each vacation I could actually relax and rejuvenate, which was so important.  At least once a year or more if you can, take time to relax in a place you can find solitude and peace.  

Keeping your own cup filled only gives your the strength to be the best caregiver you can be!  It is not selfish or unnecessary!  It is a must!

Speak to Your Accuser

So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. James 4:7 (The Message)

If today someone accused you of something you didn't do would you just stand there and not say a word or would you defend yourself?  The first word most of us would say would be, "No!"  The same can be said to the devil when he begins to accuse us if only we would stand up and say, "No!"

 While the devil can create situations and circumstances that affect us, he does not know what we are thinking unless we speak it aloud to him.  The devil is our accuser.  He loves to remind us of all we have done wrong in the past even if God has forgiven us.  This means it is important to rebuke him out lout just like this scripture tells us.  The Message actually interprets it as saying we are to yell loudly at the devil and that when we do he will scamper or in other words, run.  

The next time you sense the presence of the enemy and he begins to throw accusations your way, just begin to rebuke him and speak the name of Jesus for he will be forced to leave.  Tell the devil "No!" and speak the name of Jesus loudly with passion.  Tell him you mean business.  Always remember, the devil is a lie.