As believers in Jesus Christ, we know that the ultimate sacrifice of all of history is the act of Jesus dying on the cross. Jesus chose to lay down His life so that we may be forgiven by His precious blood and able to live with Him in heaven forever. One may wonder as we walk this earth, what is an ultimate scarifice that we can offer to Jesus?
When you lose a loved one, it hurts. I have discovered that somehow it hurts deeper when the loved one is younger or the death is unexpected, tragic. During those times of hurt and pain, may we remember that God is the Comforter. 2 Corinthians 1:3 – 4 says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
What if somehow, in those moments of pain, we pray over God’s Word as a source of strength. In Matthew 5:4 Jesus promises, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” May we be able to say to God, I understand that I am going through this pain and You will comfort me so that I can comfort others.
At some point in the future, we will find a new way to move through life without our loved one. This may mean that we are never the same again or that we feel like we are missing a vital organ as we continue our journey on earth. But, we keep going. As we keep going, there will come a time when we will know someone that experiences the unspeakable hurt of losing a loved one. In that moment as we move to comfort another who is grieving, may we be able to put our pain on the altar of sacrifice. Isaiah 40:1 says, “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.”
I believe that an example of an ultimate sacrifice that we can offer is fruit for others from our pain. If you are in the midst of pain, know that Jesus will bring you comfort so that you will reach the point of being able to walk with someone else who is in pain.
Let’s pray. May we see that You comfort us so that we can then be a comforter to someone else. Please let us see that our pain has a purpose Lord. Please let our suffering become fruit for someone else and an offering to You. Help us to trust You in the midst of pain and suffering. Bring us comfort so that we may then comfort others. Help us to see Your plan to use our pain. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray, amen.
Hospice is a term that means a person has reached a point in their health journey when the medical world focuses on making the patient comfortable versus trying to heal the person’s body. The goal of hospice is to manage the person’s pain and to make their end of life period as dignified as possible. I worked in hospice for years, and learned some things about death and life in that environment.
From a practical perspective, the patient’s toes and fingers may start to turn blue or gray as they near the end of their life. They may also see loved ones who have died and start talking to them or about them. This is the beginning of their transition from the earthly realm to the spiritual realm. This can be upsetting to some families as they hear the names of deceased loves ones being called out, just know that the patient is not hallucinating. Families should not tell the patient they do not see the person that has already passed away. No one can possibly know what the dying person sees and does not see. This transition between the earth and eternity has occurred at almost every single death I have witnessed. It is as if the patient’s loved ones who have passed away are coming to comfort the one leaving earth behind.
There may come a time during the patient’s end of life journey when their breathing becomes labored or delayed, feeling very spaced out between breaths. Some medical folks call this the ‘death rattle’. Once a patient enters this labored breathing phase, there is not too much time left. If you have not already said everything that you want to say to the patient, time grows short.
One of the most difficult things for someone to say to a loved one who is departing this life is the following, “It is ok to let go, I will be ok.” These words are incredibly painful to say to someone that you actually do not want to let go. But, out of deep love for them and to give them peace as they transition to eternity, try to tell them it is ok to let go and that you or whomever they are concerned about are going to be ok. I have had to say those words to someone that I love deeply. It felt like my heart was being ripped out. But I knew she was fighting to stay because she was worried about me and that I would not be ok without her. I knew there was no path to recovery and I knew that she was in terrible pain. Within 15 minutes of me telling her it was ok to let go and I would be fine and that I loved her and would see her again one day, she drew her last breath. I held her hand as she slipped into eternity and I prayed out loud for Jesus to come take her home.
While death is a very difficult topic, the opportunity to choose where you will spend eternity is now, during life. For my loved one, she knew Jesus as her Lord, so it was easy for me to tell her that I would see her again. It was easy for me to ask Jesus to come gather her into His arms and take her home because that is how believers transition from earthly life to eternity – Jesus holds us in His loving arms. But the choice must be made now, this is in Scriptures. John 5:24 says, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” And Romans 5:10, “For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” Of course, a more familiar verse is John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Choose life. And help your loved one choose eternal life with Jesus if they have not already made the choice. When a loved one is dying, that is not the time to be embarrassed or ashamed – that is THE time to talk about Jesus.
Let’s pray. Lord, I lift up all of those who have loved ones that are in hospice. Please be with them and strengthen them for the season they are in. Please touch the situation with Your peace, light and love. Please bring those that do not know You to You. For we know that precious in Your sight is the death of Your saint as You bring us home (Psalm 116:15). Thank You for the promise of eternity with You. In the precious name of Jesus we pray, amen.
Being a caregiver is an incredibly difficult situation to be in. Whether you are caring for an aging or injured loved one or someone that will always need some level of care, caregiving is an equalizer in humanity. It is an experience that can occur in your life at any age, at any time, to anyone. Caregivers are from every race, every nation, every level of education and every language spoken in the world.
I have learned as a caregiver, it is critical to not lose who you are. Do not forget that you have a life and a purpose. Being a caregiver is a role you have right now, it is not all that you will always be. You have an identity that is bigger than being a caregiver. 2 Timothy 1:9 says. “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.” God created each of us for His purpose, being a caregiver is what you do, it is not who you are.
You are seen, God sees you. He sees every tear, He hears every sigh, He knows you and loves you exactly as you are. You matter. “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid;” Luke 12:7.
Let us pray. Father in heaven, thank You for the love You have for us. Help us to remember the purpose that You created us each for – to bring glory to Your name. Help us to know how to love You, worship You and glorify You as we provide care to loved ones. Fill all caregivers with patience, peace, love, joy and strength. In the precious name of Jesus we pray, amen.
Being a caregiver is an incredibly difficult situation to be in. Whether you are caring for an aging or injured loved one or someone that will always need some level of care, caregiving is an equalizer in humanity. It is an experience that can occur in your life at any age, at any time, to anyone. Caregivers are from every race, every nation, every level of education and every language spoken in the world.
I have learned as a caregiver, you must take time for yourself. This is easy to say and many times we know that it is the right thing to do for everyone involved. The more we are able to refresh ourselves, the better we will be to take care of someone. Even if this means five minutes of rest while your loved one is taking a nap. Look for those opportunities to rest your mind and your body. Let the dishes stay dirty or the clothes stay dirty a few minutes longer or whatever other chore you can work on instead of just resting.
What about those situations when there is no path to take time for ourselves. Ask for help. This is a tough thing to do sometimes – what if something happens while I am gone. What if during the hour I go for a walk, there is a need that the temporary caregiver does not know how to fulfill. We tell ourselves that it is easier to not have someone come in for a bit to help. Sometimes when we return from our break, there is more stress than before we left because things were not done quite right or the way we would have done it. There will be times when we have to adjust our expectations of others or even let go of some things being done a certain way. It is critical for you to take a break. This does not make you a bad person, an unloving caregiver or any other guilt trip that the enemy may try to put on you. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Take those thoughts from the enemy captive, dismiss them, they are not of God.
Let us pray. Father in heaven, thank You for Your love and Your wisdom found in Scriptures. Help us to take every thought captive that is not of You or from You. Sometimes, we get so weary, it is hard to resist the enemy, please fill us with Your strength and wisdom. Bless the caregivers and those being cared for. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Being a caregiver is an incredibly difficult situation to be in. Whether you are caring for an aging person, an injured loved one or someone that will always need some level of care, caregiving is an equalizer in humanity. It is an experience that can occur in your life at any age, at any time, to anyone. Caregivers are from every race, every nation, every level of education and every economic circumstance in the world.
I have learned as a caregiver, there are times when you feel exhausted, under-appreciated, exasperated, drained, scared, hopeful, joyful, relieved, grieving, and every other emotion that exists. Being a caregiver is an emotional rollercoaster. Do not ride it alone.
Have someone to talk to. Caregivers need someone that they can openly express emotions to without fear of judgment or retribution. Find that someone if you do not already have such a person in your life. This can be a neighbor, a church member, an online friend, a therapist, in a forum, or with a chatbot. It is very helpful to join a community of others who are caregivers, whether online or in person. No matter what form this channel takes for you, have a way to express yourself freely that is outside of the person you are taking care of. And most importantly, talk to Jesus – daily and always.
Talking to Jesus is your lifeline. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says to pray continually. This can be focused prayer time or just talking to Him as you go about your day. However, wherever and whenever you communicate, He hears you.
Let us pray. Father in heaven, thank You for caregivers and the loved ones being cared for. We ask that You would provide strength, patience, faith, love, peace, joy, wisdom and hope to all caregivers. Bless those reading these words and fill them with comfort. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, amen.
As we enter this new year, there are some guarantees in life. There will be good times this year and there will be bad times this year. There will be happy memories created this year and memories that we may want to forget. During those times of hurt, pain, and trials, I have learned that God is still in control.
Our family went through an unexpected trial this past year that impacted every single person in our household. It was difficult and it lasted a while. We had to pray and believe that God would bring us through the trial and He did. As we were recovering from that trial, a new problem showed up. It was unexpected and demanded our family’s immediate attention. As we were weary from what we had just gone through, the only thing that moved us through the second trial was prayer and taking things minute by minute.
While it would have been easy to blame God for allowing us to go through one trial right after another. And some family members did feel that way. I prayed and heard that God is in control of when the trials come, how long they last and what they are. In other words, He did not allow both trials to occur at the same time, which would have been disastrous and lives would have been impacted and possibly lost. God allowed the family to have a period of recovery before entering the second trial. He is in control, even when we cannot see Him or feel Him or hear Him. He is in control.
The Bible tells us that we will face trials, not maybe or possibly, but that we will face trials. We should not be shocked or scared when trials show up. There is a saying that you are either in a trial, heading toward one or just coming out of one. That is life on earth, it is filled with trouble and trials. James 1:2 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds..”. How is there joy in trials? There isn’t joy in the trial itself. The joy is in the knowledge that God is in control. He loves you and has every detail covered, your role in the trial is to pray through what God wants you to learn from the trial.
Let’s pray. Father in heaven, thank You for Your love and for Your Word. Thank You that You have warned us there will be hurt and pain in this earthly life. Help us to keep our eyes on You, help us to trust You and bring all of our cares and concerns to You. Help us to hear You, feel You and see You as we go through trials. Protect us and guide us. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, amen.
I had a pile of dirt dropped off in my yard and then had to spread it all around. When the pile of dirt arrived, it was much more than I expected. Nonetheless, I was grateful to have the dirt pile and started working on spreading it. Almost six hours later, I felt like I had barely shoveled any dirt, the pile remained huge. I felt overwhelmed as I went inside for the night as it was too dark to see the dirt pile. The next day, I went outside refreshed by my prayer time in the morning and ready to see what God wanted to teach me.
Lesson #5: There were times when I was tiring out, but when you are weary, stay focused on God. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” So whether you have enough energy to soar like an eagle or enough energy to run or only enough energy left to walk – God will meet you where you are and give you strength to keep going.
Lesson #6: There were times when I lifted a heavy load of dirt wrong and caused pain in my muscles. Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”. During those moments when I did not do something quite right or twisted the wrong way, God was right there to protect me. I had to focus on the blue sky, feel the breeze, be grateful for the dirt and be grateful that I could move and lift and garden. I am so grateful that God protects and loves us always, He is always right there – even in a daily task like shoveling dirt.
Lesson #7: Doing the right thing does not mean there will be no issues. The dirt was going to be disposed of. Instead, I requested that the dirt be dumped in my yard because the dirt came from the same land as mine and in my opinion needed to stay on the land; I thought that was the right thing to do. The lesson here is that just because you are doing the right thing does not mean there will be no issues or problems. In fact, many times when you are trying to do the right thing, there are more problems as the enemy tries to thwart your efforts to do the right thing.
Lesson #8: Pace yourself. Ecclesiastes 9:11 says. “The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle.” Take your time and move at a pace that your body is comfortable with, take breaks and talk to God. Pray and listen to Him versus running yourself ragged. Hebrews 12:1 says, “And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” Notice that this verse says ” with endurance”, not speed.
Lesson #9: If you can, find someone to accompany you in your task. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. 10 For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.” If you can find someone to help you physically with your task or through praying, two are better than one.
Lesson #10: The most important lesson from the dirt pile is a personal one that may also apply to you as we enter a new year. I learned through the dirt pile that God is still talking. He is talking all the time, but sometimes the busyness of this world drowns Him out. As I shoveled dirt for hours, there was nothing to take my attention away from God. I removed myself from the noise of the world, got into nature and just had a conversation with God.
When was the last time you put the phone away, turned off the television, and went to be alone with God? Jesus did. Mark 1:35 says, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” In this new year, may we spend more time in prayer than we ever have before, may we create time and space to just be with God, the lover of our souls. This new year, there will be hustle and bustle and there will be problems and hurt – that is life. Make a relationship with God your priority every day and you will be filled with a peace that surpasses human understanding.
Let’s pray using Solomon’s prayer of blessings. “Lord God, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below, who keeps the gracious covenant with your servants who walk before you with all their heart. You have fulfilled your promise by your power as it is today. Therefore, Lord God, listen to your servant’s prayer and petition, so that you may hear the cry and the prayer that your servant prays before you today. When your people return to you and praise your name, may you hear in heaven and forgive the sin of your people. When they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin—and when they return to you with all their heart and all their soul and when they pray to you, may you hear in heaven, their prayer and petition and uphold their cause. May you forgive your people, and may you grant them compassion. May your eyes be open to your servant’s petition and to the petition of your people, listening whenever they call to you.” In Jesus name we pray, amen.
Wounded Butterflies 