Seeking His Heart
What changes a week brings. Thanks to many of you who responded to last week’s plea for prayer and concern for my mother by praying and/or commenting. Your comments were encouraging and enriching.
It was interesting that so many made a comment relating to the hands of God. It reminded me of the verse I lived with in my college days:
“For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying unto you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’ ” Isaiah 41:13
One reader wrote: “God knew this giant would come. It was no surprise to Him. He will carry you through this current stage, and the next. You just have to be willing to step into His mighty hands.”
Another reader was in a choir retreat I had to miss. She thought of my situation in a song they were singing, “He Will Hold Me Fast.”
One reader gave me the verse, I Peter 5:7. When I found it in my Bible, I had previously underlined both verse 6 and 7. I had written in the margin, “For Mom – Oct. 1999.” That was the month my dad died. I had claimed those verses for her then and here they were coming around again for her and me .
Humble yourselves, therefore, under Gods’ mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. I Peter 5:6-7
For many reasons, the decision was made to go from rehab to an assisted living place – not an easy decision. The Lord brought many people into play and everything began to fall in place. I saw His hand at work in it all.
Today (Wednesday), we moved mother in. So many new things for her to encounter. She did well, considering, but was very confused by the end of the day. I’m trusting that “in due time,” He will lift us up as I Peter 5:6 points out.
Many of you pointed out the need for me to rest and “once we have rested, we need to meet with God” as in the story of Eliza after he was weary running from Ahab.
It’s been a grueling 19 days and isn’t over yet, but I have had some quiet times to refresh me in the midst of the fatigue. I still covet many hands to lift my mother, Jim, and me up to the Lord in prayer. We’ve made progress, but have much farther to go.
I promise, we will get back to David, but the Lord is working and while it’s fresh, I wanted to share this path with you, hoping you will see how He works in one life. Perhaps it will encourage you with your giants.
~ Joyce ~
Prayers continue for you and yours.
Thanks for your faithfulness, Diana.
Joyce,
We missed you at the chorale retreat. We prayed especially for your mother, you and Jim in this difficult time. Prayers will continue to be lifted for you. Rest!
Sheila
Yes, rest. I’m trying. Thanks for praying.
Thank you for your devotions. I needed to read this as i am in a hospital, having come out of ICU yesterday and waiting to go to a rehab. A big bump in the road that was unforeseen by me but not God. I pray things go well for your mother.
Oh my, Sue. Blessings on you as well. I never know as I write how God touches people in their various needs.
Joyce: Many times I just save your blogs and read two or three at a time. When I read today’s I realized I had missed a very important one last week re: Meme….and You…I am so sorry. I pray that this will get much easier for you. My mom is still independently living but has a new health problem every week including congestive heart failure for a long long time. As you know our parent/child situations are quite similar and I do pray for things to level out so that both you and Meme will be back to a routine that is much much better really soon. I pray for God to give her the care she needs through this and also for him to give you the energy, health, and patience you might need. You and Jim, as you well know, hold a reallly special spot in my heart. Let me know please if I can help you out in any way at all. Until I hear from you I will pray. I love you…..
Great to hear from a long-time friend. Thanks, Raenell.
Joyce, I want you to know I am praying for you and your family. I have collapsed in the arms of God and He has held me up. When my worries were extreme I had to trust Him and turn all my anxieties over to Him. He has carried me through and still carries me through. He will carry you through also.
Love, Bev
Carrying is a good description! Thanks, Bev.
We will continue to remember you and your family in our prayers.
And I have been praying for you as well, Don and Diana. hope this finds Don improving.
May God bestow His grace upon you, Joyce.
Thank you, Carolyn.
God’s peace to you and Jim and your mom as you travel this road. We missed you at the chorale retreat. I enjoy reading your weekly emails. Do keep us posted on how things go.
We love you! Lisa
Thank you, Lisa. It’s so good to hear from readers and friends and feel that support. It’s been quite the journey. Today was the first time in three and a half weeks that I felt like I could come up for air. I’ve certainly felt prayer support to sustain. Hard as it was, the Lord supplied just enough strength for each day.