Though I Toil: Devotional Prayer for Caregivers
M. Lee (with Foreword and Excerpts from Rhea Cassels)
SMASHWORDS EDITION
Copyright 2012
Smashwords Edition, License Notes
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FOREWORD
Trying.
That’s how I would describe my first few weeks as a caregiver.
In fact, it was sort of like being thrown into a championship fight with an opponent whose weight class and ranking far exceeds your own. Imagine stepping into the ring with confidence, only to dance into a one-two jab combination that knocks you off balance. The referee checks quickly to make sure you’re able to continue, then gives the signal it’s time to start again. Your trainer yells out from ringside, reminding you to keep your arms up.
You tell yourself you can keep going, until--out of nowhere--another punch lands, causing you to lose focus again.
Maybe the jab is another bad report from the doctor, or yet another scare that sends you rushing to the emergency room. Perhaps the uppercut lands in the form of your loved one--the very person you’ve committed to care for--fighting against your help. Sometimes a critical, unsupportive family member manages to knock the wind out of you. Then, just as you pull yourself together again, planting your feet firmly--Bam! Another blow. You didn’t see this one coming. Maybe this time, mounting medical bills drew blood. Perhaps anxiety and lack of rest have taken a toll on you. You’ve begun to feel isolated, disappointed and completely discouraged. Your faith may be failing.
Though your opponent may be big and your pain may be great, know that God is bigger and more powerful than any circumstance you will ever face. His promises are true and they are always available to you.
As a caregiver, others asked about my father’s health; many offered to pray for him. As I faced one difficult day after the next, I slowly realized that people automatically thought to pray for him, but few thought about charging heaven on my behalf. Eventually, I reached out to ask others for prayer as I learned to face each new day asking for heaven’s help.
One of the main goals of Caregiver Care Package is to encourage and uplift those who give care to others, and I find that for many, nothing is more uplifting than the power of simple, heartfelt prayer. So, I reached out to a wonderful friend who, along with others, prayed for me while I provided care. I personally know her to be strong in prayer and purpose, so I asked her to provide you with powerful, Biblically-based prayers that would encourage you through the difficulties you may face as a caregiver. This book is the result. Further, I have included a few short excerpts, hoping that they may provide some everyday encouragement when you need it most.
The goal of this book is simply to serve and encourage you; we sincerely hope it does just that.
Rhea Cassels
TRUST
My heart trusts in You, O Lord. Your guidance serves as my personal navigation system, showing me which pathways to take and exactly where to turn. You even counsel me in the night. I don’t question that my navigation system is taking me on the best route; even when I’m not familiar with the roads it suggests, I don’t keep moving in one direction when it tells me to turn around because I’m off-track. Lord, I know without doubt that You deserve much more than that. Day by day, I’m learning to place more and more of my trust and confidence in You, even when it goes against my own understanding.
Lord, thank You that You are the One Who goes ahead of me, fighting for me against my enemies to save me. Thank You for Your precious promise that no one shall be able to separate me from Your love which is everlasting, steadfast and sure.
Scripture
References:
Proverbs
3:5-6
Psalm 16:7
Deuteronomy 20:4
Romans 8:35
Jeremiah
31:3
“I
have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my
need.”
--Author
Unknown
On Trusting
Once, a co-worker (who was also a personal acquaintance) underwent surgery to correct a health challenge she faced. Her recovery time would require her to stay out of work for a few weeks, forcing her to take short-term disability. During that time, her job was protected but her paychecks were significantly reduced.
One day, she lacked the funds needed to repay a debt, so she contacted me for help. Her request was somewhat emotional, so I initially thought she was asking for a large sum; it turns out it the amount was well within grasp. I agreed to help her and, because she was recovering, offered to bring the funds to her home.
The agreed upon day came. At lunchtime, I noticed several missed calls—all from her. Assuming she was just verifying our agreement, I returned her call; when she didn’t answer, I left a message to confirm. That afternoon, she called incessantly. Finally, when I had a moment, I called her back. This time I actually spoke with her verifying again that I would head over immediately after work. Proceeding with the rest of the day, I thought everything was fine, until—wouldn’t you know it—she began the calling frenzy all over again about a half hour before I was to leave work.