From Where Does My Strength Come?

I’m praying for strength!

Because I sometimes vent about my situation (parents living in my home), friends assume I am complaining.

(smile)

I am really just asking for support; in prayer and in encouragement. I am human, and frail.

God encourages us to share our tribulations, and expects us to pray for one another. How can we share our lives with others if they do not know about our trials?

How can we do as Jesus Christ expects us to do, in loving our brothers and sisters, if we do not step into their shoes, or at least rub elbows with their pain?

I know I do not have enough strength in myself to endure the busyness and pre-occupation with Medicare, phone calls, financial strain, emotional upsets, and Drs’ visits that come with parent-care. I need God’s strength. “. . . by the word of the truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness…” II Corinth. 6:7

I know I do not have the wisdom to always resist temptation to complain or argue points with my mother or step dad.

I need God’s wisdom. “the wisdom from above, is at first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, without hypocrisy.” James 3:17

I know I do not have the patience I need on some days (and I do) But God is gracious and merciful to me . “The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger and of great mercy.” Psalm 145:8

I know I do not always have the joy I need to act with love and compassion. But God does. Since joy comes from the Lord, I can grab it by the handfuls when I remember His promises. “These things have I spoken to you, that my joy will remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” John 15:11

I am still learning to step into this role with grace and care. I am also learning that God may keep me in this role for a longer period than I hoped, and busy enough, that I will need to give up some things. These are things that I love to do, but cannot continue doing as I minister to my parents. I love my parents and cherish them, yet we all know that 4 adults living together in a small house can be very challenging.

I am not all about parental care, but made up of different roles. I am not that person alone, and don’t want to be identified as such. I want to be identified as a servant of God. God gives me the strength, wisdom, grace and joy – that I need to fulfill what He wants me to do.

Keep me in your prayers please, and share your requests with me as well. So then we will both be doing what God wants from us. Caring for one another. The answers belong to Him.

© April Boyer 11/2010