This morning, I found myself reading in Isaiah 28. I ended up there because I was looking for something in particular, and even though I didn't find what I was looking for, I found what I needed. God's so cool like that, isn't He?
My eyes first fell on verse 29, which says in the NKJ: This also comes from the Lord of hosts, Who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in guidance. I rolled that over in my mind and heart a few times and spent a few minutes thinking about how I'd seen His counsel in action in my own life. We've all had those times when we weren't sure what to do or where to go, and suddenly, an idea drops into our thoughts. There are many ways He provides direction for us. He may direct our steps through a passage of scripture, a trusted spiritual leader such as a pastor, a YouTube teacher, and maybe even a lowly blog writer. Lol. No matter how He chooses to deliver His counsel, it comes - but we must listen.
After I had rolled these thoughts and this verse over in my mind a few times, I looked back up and read the preceding verses. Isaiah is talking about how a farmer plows, then he stops plowing so he can sew seed. But then he stops planting seeds to wait for the harvest. After he harvests and processes his crop, the farmer starts all over again. The process does not include just plowing over and over again. It's not just sewing seeds. It's not just harvesting. To complete the process, the farmer does these actions repeatedly, but he doesn't just do one of them all the time.
I thought about the seasons of life and, specifically, caregiving. It's definitely doing the same things over and over again every day. Oh sure, there are certain aspects of the day that can be different and lots of surprises along the way - like lost supplies or emergency hospital visits. But we kind of do the same things over and over in a broad sense. In the midst of the mundane and not-so-mundane - God provides His wisdom. His counsel and guidance lead us each day as we lean in to trust Him.
I love that He didn't abandon us when we became caregivers. He didn't unplug His grace or take back His promises. Instead, the great Caregiver of our souls extends more grace and mercy to carry us on this road. He never wrings His hands and tells us He hasn't got a clue what to do. His counsel is still wonderful, and His guidance is still excellent, no matter where we are in the caregiving processes.
Today, I'll remind myself that He has wisdom for the caregiver. My prayer will be that I can handle each situation through His wisdom and counsel instead of trying to forge ahead in my own strength. I will purpose to quiet my heart and soul today, so I can hear what He has to say, as I trust Him for one more day. Will you join me?
If you enjoy these devotionals, I have others! I've expanded my bookstore on Amazon. My devotionals are available in Kindle or print format. The new Bible study guides are now available on Kindle and in print! Check out my growing bookstore: My Bookshelf
I also recently opened my own bookstore. I'm presently filling it up with my books - check out the ones I have available in eBook format. You can download them and read them on your phone! Dove's Fire Ministries Bookstore.
Oh my. I can so identify with you. I don’t even know what to say. I’m 84 years old and caregiver to my husband who has a degenerative neurological disease that has rendered him similar to a quadriplegic. I’ve always been strong and healthy (thank the Good Lord) but old age and caregiving is beginning to take its toll. I love your devotions. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you are in this position - but so glad you've been able to care for your husband. I know it's not easy! Thank you for sharing your journey with us - and thanks for reading!!
Delete