Whenever a big change or transition happens in your life, welcome it! God is giving you the opportunity to learn flexibility, patience, and how to rely on him more fully. He may also be connecting you with a new group of people who need to know Christ. Embrace how God is shaking up your life!
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada with a good word about caregiving.
This is the month that we honor the many family members who roll up their sleeves and provide care to their loved one who is struggling with disability. It could be an elderly parent or a special needs child. Or you could be a woman in a wheelchair who depends on your sister to provide you care. And I’m thinking of Sharon who just sent me this email. She writes, “Joni, my sister and I had the privilege of meeting you when you spoke at a local conference. Would you be willing to share what it was like for you when your sister was no longer your primary caregiver? Because my sister is getting married soon, and it's been a real challenge for me to accept this huge change.”
Okay, now that is a problem with which I identify. So let me tell you what I wrote her. I said, “Oh, Sharon, yes, I can understand why you would be a little nervous, knowing your sister will no longer be your primary caregiver once she marries. ’Cause I once struggled with the same anxieties. Back then I was in my early 20s and living with my sister Jay on the farm; happy with her, happy with the way she helped me. But then she got married. And yikes! I was scared to death of having anyone else. Besides, where would I find caregiving help? Who could get me up in the morning or put me to bed like my sister could do it? She was perfect. And this is when 2 Corinthians 1:9 came to the rescue. With all the turmoil, uncertainties, and threats that faced the apostle Paul, he writes, ‘We stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God.’
“So, Sharon, this verse is for you. Do what I did. Stake your life on it. Because this transition with your sister is a powerful opportunity for you to learn how to rely only on God. Ask him to help you be flexible and patient as you bring on new and different caregivers. Trust him to provide those needs. And once you find new caregivers, make it your ministry to bless them, serve them, encourage them; pray for them and their families. I believe God wants you to expand your borders and learn how to rely on him, as well as have a broader sphere of influence for Christ among many more people! Yes, it was a blessing to be with your sister all these years, wasn’t it? But now God wants to use you to bless others.”
Now that’s what I advised Sharon. But your circumstances are probably different. Yet, I bet you identify with her, don’t you? You resonate with the root issue. There are big transitions, seismic upheavals happening in your life, and they are so unsettling to your heart. Well, all I can say is, God loves to shake things up. He loves to stir the waters. He is never satisfied with the status quo. God is all about change, but that change may well connect you with a whole new group of people who either do not know Christ, or are believers, but in desperate need of encouragement. And you can be Christ's ambassador to them. You can represent him and his grace and goodness.
You know, this is a great message to share with caregivers and the people they are helping, especially since it’s National Caregivers Month. So see yourself as an ambassador of Christ; welcome change; ask for help; learn from difficult transitions. And while you’re doing it, rely not on yourself, but always and only on God. Those are good words today for you from 2 Corinthians 1:9!
Oh, and by the way, if you have a prayer request, let me know on our radio page, and our Joni and Friends staff will lift up your need before the Lord at joniradio.org. God bless you today, and thanks for listening to Joni and Friends!
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