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Listen while you read: "Give To Our God Immortal Praise"1
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2 Corinthians 12:9 – He answered me, "I am all you need. I give you My loving-favor. My power works best in weak people." I am happy to be weak and have troubles so I can have Christ's power in me. (NLV)
For the umpteenth time, I found myself inwardly crying out, "O Lord, please help me. I don't know how to do this, and I need Your help." My husband Lynn suffered a major stroke in 2010 and was left with a weakened left side and little use of his left hand. He had been a master craftsman all through the years. In fact, instead of describing him as a "jack-of-all-trades and master of none", I had always secretly termed him a "jack-of-all-trades and master of all". So, when, in the blink of an eye, he found himself no longer able to work on projects in his shop, it grieved him deeply.
Nonetheless, though his mobile function was greatly diminished, his fertile brain continued to churn out all sorts of ideas for assistive devices to help him with daily activities. He had ample tools and materials to fabricate these devices, but there was one problem. Between the two of us, we had three hands, and two of them were mine. That meant that I often found myself beside him in his shop, trying to clamp and saw a board, tighten a bolt, hammer a nail, or do whatever else that he needed me to do in order to complete his envisioned project.
It wasn't that I was physically or mentally incapable of performing these tasks. I had just never needed to do them before. Nonetheless, little by little, with many silent prayers for God's help and strength, I found myself becoming more and more capable. I discovered that I had strength and ability that had been untapped, and I realized that I was growing to like my new, more confident self.
The German philosopher, Nietzsche, said, "That which does not kill us makes us stronger." All of us have faced difficulties and challenges that, as we realized later on, helped us to become stronger and more competent. Facing and conquering a problem gives us more confidence for the next trial that comes our way. Strength builds on strength.
I am a stronger, more confident person today for having weathered many challenges as my husband's caregiver. At the time, I sometimes resisted the trial and wished for it to go away, but when I submitted to God's plan for my life, I learned that I could also trust Him to carry me through the hard times.
Something to think about: Would I rather escape a difficult time in life, or am I willing to go through it, knowing that I will come out stronger on the other side?
Prayer: Loving heavenly Father, You have promised to be with us always, and we know that we can trust You to give us needed strength for our battles at just the right time. Please strengthen our faith as You strengthen our resolve. Amen.
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About the author:
Gail Lundquist <gail10833@gmail.com>
Beaverton, Oregon, USA
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Thank you.
Wonderful challenge, Gail.
Thanks, I can relate to your issue.
Amen.
Thank you, Gail, for sharing God’s blessings and working in your life.
Thanks and blessings for sharing, Gail. Your post is a great encouragement for us all!
May God strengthen and encourage you as you meet and overcome every challenge! Thanks for sharing this devotional with us. Blessings.
Gail: what a valid reminder you offer. So often, we seek to escape the difficult and lose growth thereby. Well done on your newly-developed skills.
Amen Gail. I too have walked this path, for different reasons, and am glad for the harvest that it reaped.
Blessings.
This is so true, Gail. Your devotional telling of this experience with God will help open hearts, minds, ears, and eyes, to see God’s strengthening power through our weaknesses. What blessings come from submitting to our Lord and Savior. Be blessed as you have blessed your readers.
Hi Gail,
I witnessed your increased confidence during those days and admired you for stepping up. I’m reminded of the words in the song, “He giveth more strength when the burdens grow greater…” and I know you experienced that provision.
O WOW, Gail! This is such a Perfect Devotional for so many reasons. For sure it strengthens the reader as they consider seeing what you went through as an opportunity rather than a misfortune! ‘Man’s importunity is God’s opportunity,’ someone said. Robert Frost said, ‘The only way out – is through.’ It reminds us that we are not helpless and powerless when we turn to our Creator and see that we are Strong, not weak, in Him. You could’ve hired him an assistant for these tasks, but you had the courage and wisdom to undertake them yourself with this great resulting confidence. Yay for such a great share today!
Dear Gail:
Thank you for your inspiring piece. I have often been amazed at how people have risen to the occasion to help loved ones, just as you have in your particular situation.
Recently I have been told that I have incurable cancer (age 89). My daughter lives with me and I think about the journey ahead and how it can best happen without wearing her out. I’m sure God will lead us both day by day. “I shall fear no evil for Thou art with me” (23rd Ps.)
May God bless you and your husband daily as you discover new strengths within yourself.
Blessings.
Hi Gail,
This story is a part about you I did not know…probably there is a lot more. My husband spent three weeks in the hospital in Texas three years ago. When he entered the hospital, his kidney function was very bad. Amazingly, he now functions without dialysis…a gift for which I am grateful daily. While, his kidneys are functioning, the strength in his legs seems to be less and less daily and as a result, he is not able to do the things he once did. He, like your husband, is a fixer and doer physically. I keep reminding him and me, of course, how fortunate we are that he has the abilities he has. If he had been on dialysis, it would have meant a 40 plus minute drive every three days. AND so, we are grateful for what God has given us and move forward. We are both in our 80’s and we know every day is a blessing.
Thanks, again, for writing the devotional.
Dear Gail:
Your today’s devotion is awesome!
I can relate to it very well. I enjoyed good health and fitness until I reached 75. A couple of years ago I went to see my family doctor. He had observed my red blood cells count had been low and finally it was diagnosed. The Ottawa (Canada) Hospital began treating me with powerful drug by injection. Many times, I just wanted to quit, and pleaded to Lord to take me away. But he didn’t.
One day I decided to challenge my aging body to wake up and my bone marrow to produce good and sufficient red blood cells.
So, I retrieved my youthful athletic ability and contested in 2021 Ontario (Canada) Masters Athletic competition just few weeks ago. I did very well. Now I am the poster boy for The Ottawa Hospital Foundation.
His will and not my will, I have to keep on running my race.
O Gail! I know just this exchange! It comes when I’m tired, defeated, lost, struggling. But you’re right, I have to make the first move to be alert, triumph, follow the Way and “let go and let God”.
Thanks for your real encouragement at the end of an emotionally exhausting day.
Your love shines through your husband’s need, what a tribute to the Light of Jesus!
Dear Gail,
Your message is so encouraging and helpful. It is true that as we try new things because we need to for others, we can confidence and ability. God is there for us to help us to succeed even when we don’t want to.
We are all challenged in different ways and when we accept that things need to change and move forward with God’s help, we grow in faith and ability.
Thank you for admitting that you needed God’s help at this time in your life and then how you grew in confidence during your time as a caregiver.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us to encourage us on our faith journey to trust that God will be there to help us through the difficult times. May you continue to grow in strength and confidence through your experiences. May God bless you with many chances to increase your faith.