4 Truths for the Sufferer and Caregiver

I recently sat in on a different small group at my church and the topic was about sufferers and caregivers.

I find myself particularly interested in this subject at the season of life since I am most likely destined to be a caregiver and the thought of caregiving frightens me somewhat.

I am not a natural caregiver, at least I don't see myself in that light. However, I know that with God's strength and wisdom, I can be whatever He calls me to be.

Today, Let's look at the reality of becoming a sufferer or a caregiver, and how we as Christians can be the patient sufferers and the loving caregivers Christ calls us to be.

4 Truths for the Sufferer

1. Jesus loves me. This I KNOW!
   Despite suffering, Jesus's love remains constant, offering hope and assurance.
   "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-39
   
   
2. He has a purpose for this season.
   In every trial, God has a plan for our welfare and future, assuring completion of His work.
   "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11
   
   
3. He can ALWAYS be trusted.
   Trusting God amidst suffering reveals His goodness and wisdom, offering refuge and guidance.
   "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
   
   
4. I must minister and serve like Jesus.
   ​Through suffering, we find comfort to comfort others, sharing in Christ's sufferings and His abundant grace.
   "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too." 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

4 Truths for the Caregiver

1. Just show up, every day.
   Rejoice or weep with the suffering, offering presence rather than solutions.
   "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." Romans 12:15
   
   
2. Be quick to listen and slow to speak.
   Listen attentively, avoiding comparison or hasty advice.
   "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger." James 1:19
   
   
3. Don't worry about what you cannot control.
   Entrust anxieties to God, focusing on His Kingdom and His provision.
   "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6-7
   
   
4. Look up, control your "3 foot" space, and keep moving.
   ​Lift eyes to God, align thoughts and actions with His truth, and persevere towards His calling.
   "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Philippians 4:8

In conclusion, four things we should remember to do, whether we are the sufferer or the caregiver:

1. Look back and PRAISE Him!
   Reflect on God's faithfulness in past trials and praise Him for His enduring love.
   
   
2. Look ahead and TRUST Him!
   Trust in God's plans for the future, knowing He holds our welfare in His hands.
   
   
3. Look around and SERVE Him!
   Serve others in their suffering, embodying Christ's compassion and grace.
   
   
4. Look up and EXPECT Him!
   Fix our gaze on God, expecting His provision and guidance in all circumstances.

Tell me about your sufferer or caregiver experience.

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The Heart That Heals: Healing Our Brokenness Through the Promises of God

The morning I woke up to the first book review of The Heart That Heals, waiting for me in my inbox, was the morning I knew we have something special here. It was like a little sweet potato in my garden, waiting to be unearthed. And can I just tell you, friend, it was exactly what I had been praying for! I wanted her to see Jesus. And she did. I want readers to find Him waiting for them on every page. And He is. I want the promises of His faithfulness and steadfast love to scream above the waves of the storm you are in. And! They! Do!
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If you and I were Pen Pals, The Heart That Heals is the letter I would write to you if you’d lost a child, a husband, a best friend, or a sister. It’s the kind of letter I would seal with a heart-shaped sticker that says, God Loves You, you know, that kind of sticker you used to get in Sunday school. You’d read my letter and you’d know, yes, you would know, He truly does love me! 

Grab your copy of The Heart That Heals here

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