Caregiver Grace

 

Yesterday, I was shopping for some items for me and my son on Amazon. I was looking at some different clothing items and I got this message under the sizing chart. It said something like, "This is your recommended size based on millions of customer orders and reviews." It was rather puzzling. Why would they suggest a size for me based on all the other Amazon shoppers? What if they all ordered small? I'd certainly not get what I needed lol.

Immediately, I thought about how God doesn't base "grace to help in time of need" on millions of other users. He bases it on my need in the moment! 

My mind began to run through numerous Bible stories. Moses crossing the Red Sea. David taking down Goliath. Daniel in the lion's den. Each situation was different and God provided the need for it. God parted the Red Sea for Moses and those following him because that's where they were and that's what was needed. He didn't tell David while he was standing in front of Goliath - it's okay David, I'll go part the Red Sea for you! David wasn't at the Red Sea he was standing live in front of a living breathing giant!

God also didn't meet Moses on the edge of the Red Sea and explain how good He was at taking out giants! That wouldn't have done Moses a lick of good. For each story in the Bible, God met the needs of the moment. The miracle matched the situation. 

We can take heart as caregivers that God has the grace for our specific situation. He doesn't give us His "special" one-size-fits-all caregiver grace! Even though we are caregivers, our situations and needs vary greatly among us. And His grace adapts to our needs and our hearts. 

Hebrews 4:16 reminds us to come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive mercy and we will find grace to help us when we need it. (NLT) His grace helps each of us right in our moments, and caregivers - have LOTS of moments! Yet, His grace is enough and is precisely what we need.

Today, I'll remind myself that God's grace is not one-size-fits-all - it's tailor-made to fit my exact circumstances. My thoughts will be on how God is quick to hear my prayers, even before I can speak them out loud. I'll meditate on how His grace fits my needs, my heart, my prayers, and my circumstances. I don't have to run on yesterday's grace - He's got me covered right here and right now. I will trust Him for one more day - will you join me?

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31 Days in Psalm 31

David was open and honest about his feelings and he tended to give everything to God, even when he was hiding in the back of a cave. What's it like to spend time in the back of a cave with God? David gives us a glimpse in Psalm 31 and that's where this devotional is taken from. Grab a paper copy or a Kindle copy from Amazon!

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Affirmations for Caregivers

I wrote Affirmations for CaregiversAffirmations for Caregivers because it was what I needed to hear! This 31-day journal includes 31 scripturally based affirmations. Each day, the affirmation is followed by a short writing prompt and a verse or two to read. Here is an example from Day 16:

Day 16: I Am Embraced

Affirmation: I will find grace to help me in my time of need today. I will bring my cares, concerns, weaknesses, and needs to the throne of grace. I have an open invitation. God will meet me there with the grace I need for today. He is not afraid of my weaknesses, He embraces them and strengthens me by His grace.

                                Write an invitation to God inviting Him into your day. Then, write an invitation

                                from God inviting you to trust His strength and grace.

                            Read Hebrews 4:14-16